It was known that just last month, Mr. Shigeo Takenaka, a career Japanese diplomat, was appointed as the new Secretary-General of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO). Mr. Takenaka has long association in the diplomatic arena and has rich and professional experience and understanding about Asian countries. His past postings were Japanese embassies in India, Korea, Thailand, including as the Ambassador to Bangladesh.
He succeeded Mr. Takashi Tajima who completed his term in mid-September 2004.

The new Secretary-General of APO reiterated the importance of increasing productivity for the development of Asian region. He mentioned, 'Although much has been achieved in the past, however, there are yet new challenges arising from the changes in the social, economical, political and technological environment.' Mr. Takenaka commented that APO will make further efforts to address concerns of the most population - jobs, food security, quality of lives, and a secured future.

For further information, please visit APO website at www.apo-tokyo.org