1. Background 

In the Asian Labour Ministers' Conference held in Seoul, Republic of Korea, in September, 1971, the Labour Ministers called for establishment of a regional mechanism to promote technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in the region.  In response to the resolutions made by the Labour Ministers, the Asian Regional Skill Development Programme (ARSDEP) was set up in 1978 as an ILO regional programme with the financial support of the UNDP.  In 1980, it was changed to APSDEP and the government of Japan began to provide cash contribution.  However, the financial responsibility of APSDEP shifted to ILO in 1986 when the UNDP ceased funding it.

Currently APSDEP's main functions include: 
• Conducting research and providing training to ILO member States on a range of vocational training issues.
• Assisting ILO member States to improve access to vocational training for specific groups including women, youth, people with disabilities.
• Promoting social dialogue in vocational training.
• Sharing experiences, expertise and information in vocational training, and so on. 
Since its inception APSDEP has played an important role in promoting human resources development through TVET in the region.  It provided valuable opportunities for direct exchange of experience and expertise in vocational training through technical meetings, workshops, and related measures.  Then it has contributed to the improvement of national vocational training systems and also to active partnership between government, employers and workers at the national level in vocational training related activities.

APSDEP's ongoing activities include: 
• Implementing technical workshops and training courses such as New Training Technology, Computer Aided Instruction, Life-long Learning and Rural Employment Promotion for Women. (In the previous 2 fiscal years, following countries were invited: Bangladesh, China, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran, Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam) 
• Developing Regional Model Competency Standards (RMCS).
• Strengthening vocational training information systems, and so on. 

No doubt, APSDEP is still an important instrument in fostering technical cooperation among member countries in vocational training related activities.  The many concrete activities initiated by the APSDEP have made significant contributions to the effectiveness of vocational training systems in the member countries.  But APSDEP should be reformed and developed further to be able to provide updated programmes and information more effectively to the member countries responding to their request.  The main reason APSDEP should change is to adapt to the changing nature of work which is derived from the economic evolution such as globalization and information technology.  Also the current situation of resources and personnel should be taken into consideration in this procedure.

2-1.  The impact of globalization - New skills requirements resulting from globalization, international competitiveness and the changing nature of work 
The impact of evolving globalization and rapid technological development has given structural changes in the world of work with strong influence on jobs and workers.  The skill requirements for these jobs have been changing rapidly and training systems are under increasing pressure to respond effectively.  Globalization has increased competition among economies, and their products and processes now need to be of higher quality with high value-added and at a competitive cost, if they are to maintain their existing market share or to expand it.

2-2.  Information technology and vocational training 
Utilization of information technology has become indispensable for most industries today. Accordingly the needs for vocational training in this field in the Asia and Pacific Region are increasing even more. Information technology is considered one of the most prioritized fields for the future APSDEP. 
In addition, information sharing and technical cooperation in the area of vocational training among countries in the Asia and Pacific Region can be attained through information networks.  Countries in the region recognize the importance of information sharing, as well as the need to update continuously.  With the sheer diversity of the Asia and Pacific, a well updated computerized information network system can allow regular exchange and retrieval of information among the member countries.  Detailed information on existing centres of excellence in vocational training in the region could be part of the information incorporated in this computerized network system.

2-3.  Constraints of resource and personnel 
As structural constraints of APSDEP, its secretariat lacks technical capacity to assume full responsibility for planning and implementing activities, and the role of MDT specialists is limited due to other functions and responsibilities. 
Consequently its follow-up and evaluation capability is weak as well as planning capability. 
From the financial view point, it is dependent on one major source of financial support (Japan), and more active financial or in-kind contributions from member countries are indispensable.

APSDEP will be seen as a regional technical cooperation programme to promote vocational training and human resources development harmoniously with the ILO's  policy of human resources development. It will promote more actively the exchange of ideas and experiences among its member countries.  In this new role, it will encourage member countries to advance their strategic policies in human resources development adapting to changing economy.

The programme will cooperate with other ILO regional and national programmes and projects, in particular, in human resources development, employment promotion and employment services, gender issues, poverty and child labour. 

The programme will also aim at establishing network to exchange experiences in human resources development with other regional institutions and other related technical cooperation programmes such as ASEAN and APEC. 

Not only Japan and Korea but also other member states of the ILO are expected to participate in the programme as beneficiaries or donors, although there will be no obligations or regulatory requirements.  This will be very critical for future APSDEP considering the current situation of personnel and budget of APSDEP.

• To announce to officials from governments of member countries (June 2001)
• To hear opinions of member countries on future APSDEP through a letter to focal persons of each government (July 2001)
• To receive feed back from member countries (August 2001)
• To hold a meeting to discuss following topics inviting technical authorities of those countries which can participate in the programme as beneficiaries or donors (September 2001)

End/ 31 May 2001