The Asian Productivity Organization (APO) was established on 11 May 1961 as a regional intergovernmental organization. The APO is  a nonpolitical, nonprofit, and nondiscriminatory intergovernmental organization with the goal of supporting improved productivitiy to enhance economic development. 

PIM leads action-oriented research to equip decision makers with the evidence required to develop food and agricultural policies that better serve the interests of poor producers and consumers, both men and women. The program combines the resources of CGIAR centers and numerous international, regional, and national partners. PIM is a major financial supporter of the Consortium.