Better statistics a priority for trade and governance
Better statistics a priority for trade and governance
Laos needs to be more efficient in collecting and providing comprehensive statistics for incorporation into the national statistical system, in order to provide accurate data for government, business and international organisations.
The point was stressed by Director General of the National Statistics Centre, Dr Samaychan Boupha, at a meeting held in Vientiane on Tuesday on strengthening capacity in statistical collection.
Dr Samaychan said Laos was now opening its doors to trade and investment cooperation with other countries in the region and from around the world.
“Last year Laos became a member of the World Trade Organisation, so it is necessary for us to increase the efficiency of the entire statistics sector to ensure the success of the national socio-economic development plan in 2015,” he said.
Dr Samaychan said the statistics sector was still facing difficulties and challenges, especially when it comes to information pertaining to trade, investment and business operation generally, which requires open and up-to-date information which is easily accessible.
“This gathering will focus on strengthening capacity in the statistics sector, enable us to share our experiences and seek solutions to the difficulties and challenges fo r the further improvement of the sector in the future years,” Dr Samaychan said.
Director General of the Statistics Department, Ms Phetsamone Sone, said the department has the task of collecting, compiling, processing, analysing and reporting official statistics on the socio-economic situation within the country in different periods of time.
She said the sources for collecting information included various ministries at central and local levels, enterprises, business units, families and international organisations based in Laos.
“The department is a centre for socio-economic statistics and aims to supply information all organisations of the party, government, various sectors, local and foreign businesses and other institutions,” she said.
Accurate statistical information is pivotal when it comes to conducting research into policies, controlling the social economy, setting up socio-economic development plans and analysing specific issues.”
Ms Ph etsamone said the collection of statistics had been prioritised over previous years but the role of the national statistical system still needed to be further expanded at the central, provincial and district levels.
“We are here today to seek solutions on how we can work together more efficiently in collecting statistics and coordinating with other involved sectors,” Ms Phetsamone said.
Representatives from line ministries, banks and the National University of Laos were invited to participate in the meeting.
vientiane times
