Secretary-General Dr. Indra Holds Online Courtesy Meeting with New APO Director for Nepal

On 4 February 2026, APO Secretary-General Dr. Indra Pradana Singawinata held an online courtesy meeting with Secretary Maddhu Sudan Burlakoti, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, following his appointment as the new APO Director for Nepal. Secretary-General Dr. Indra welcomed Secretary Burlakoti and acknowledged Nepal's long-standing partnership with the APO, noting that it was one of the eight founding members in 1961.

Discussions focused on advancing the Strategic Partnership Program (SPP) Primer for Nepal. Secretary-General Dr. Indra outlined the SPP as a needs-based, results-oriented framework, and Secretary Burlakoti requested an online signing ceremony to finalize the Primer and formally begin implementation. He also highlighted tourism and agriculture as priority sectors aligned with Nepal's comparative advantages.

The meeting also covered Nepal's National Productivity Master Plan. Secretary Burlakoti noted that a draft had been shared with stakeholders and emphasized the need for synergy between the SPP and the master plan. In view of Nepal's scheduled graduation from least developed country status in 2026, both sides underscored the importance of productivity improvements and agreed to continue coordinating closely on the SPP, master plan finalization, and possible in-country support in 2026, including a green pathway agenda.