Asian Productivity Year 1970 (August 18, 1970)

The format of the stamp is horizon-tal. The symbol of the Asian Productivity Year, concentric circles with arrow, form the subject of the design. The design implies simply the rise of productivity in the Asian region as indicated by arrow pointing upwards over this part of the globe. The inner circles are pale yellow, the two Outer circles are pale green and dark green respectively formed by over lapping blue over yellow. The background and arrow are turquoise blue. The denomination 50” is in yellow and the rest of the wordings i.e. Asian Pro-ductivity Year-l970’ the word “Postage’’ and “Pakistan’’ in Urdu, Bengali and English appear in reverse.
To commemorate the Asian pro-ductivity Year 1970, Pakistan Post Office is issuing a stamp of 50-Paisa denomina-tion on 18-8-1970.
The concept conceived to promote economic welfare productivity is con-temporaneous with the beginning of modern industrial society in Western Europe. The concept gained in force with the emergence into independence of the Asian nations after World War II with consequent emphasis o n economic deve-lopment. In order to accelerate the pro-ductivity movement in Asia and to derive benefits from the experiences of the countries in the region, the Japan Pro-ductivity Centre conceived the idea of establishing an Asian Productivity Orga-nisation. The Asian Productivity Organis-ation which came into existence in May, 1961 has the following objectives
(a) Promoting the economic deve-lopment of Asian Countries.
(b) Raising the living standards of the people.
(c) Strengthening ties among Asian nations.
(d) Encouraging cooperative en-deavours for mutual benefits.
(e) Contributing to the national security and the preservation of independence of Asian nations. Initially 8 Asian Governments in-cluding Pakistan signed the APO Con-vention in 1961 to establish this orga-nisation. By the end of 1969 the mem-bership stood at 14. The names of the member countries in the alphabetical order are (l) Republic of China, (2) Ceylon, (3) Hong Kong, (4) India, (5) Indonesia, (6) Iran, (7) Japan, (8) Korea (South), (9) Nepal (10) Pakistan (II) Philippines (12) Singapore (13) Thailand (14) Viet-nam (South).
As a result of concerted efforts of APO and National Productivity Orga-nisation of the member countries, Productivity Movement has made definite contribution in the growth of national and per capita product. In accelerating the Productivity Movement in the region the APO organised a number of training programme, study missions, symposia etc. during the decade of its existence. All these programmes were aimed at increasing productivity and economic growth in the region. Encouraged by the success and to further emphasis the role of productivity in national econo-mic growth it was decided to observe 1970 as Asian Productivity Year by all its member countries. All the member countries including Pakistan have orga-nised special programmes in the form of training seminars, symposium, essay contest etc. to boost up productivity movement. The principle motto of the year is:
(a) Prosperity through Productivity and the theme is:- Quality Reliability.
The APY will culminate with an Asian Productivity Congress from August 18-21, 1970 in Tokyo. Renowned figures from the Governments of the member countries, Productivity Promotion Ins-titutions, Industrial Association and other specialists are participating in the Congress to highlight the dynamic action necessary for Productivity Promotion.