Representatives from line ministries, international organisations and development partners gathered at a forum to discuss official statistics strategy development to support the National Socio Economic Development Plan (NSEDP).
The forum was held yesterday in Vientiane and chaired by Minister of Planning and Investment Dr Souphan Keomixay.
In his opening remarks Dr Souphan underscored the significance of statistical data in defining policy direction and monitoring progress implementation of the socio-economic development plan.
Moreover, completed, accurate and timely official data was a challenge for Laos and the nation also faced a shortage of proficient statistical expertise as well as limited funding in the sector, he added.
The government has attached great importance to supporting statistics by providing staff and funding as well as utilising assistance from international development partners which has helped achieve results in the sector.
Achievements included completion of Statistics Law in 2010, statistics system strategy development for 2010-2012, the census survey in 2015, the 5th household expenditure and consumption survey in 2012-2013, economic survey, and macro-economic indicators with results supplied to society, plus regional and international partners, Dr Souphan explained.
He noted that Laos was currently increasing information cooperation, linkages and exchanges with member states in the ASEAN Economic Community, and international partners in the areas of economics, social studies and the environment.
Statistics related to every sector which needed timely and accurate information and demand for data was growing, Dr Souphan said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister and Head of the Lao Statistics Bureau Dr Samaychan Boupha said the meeting was a good opportunity for high-level officials and development partners to discuss and share ideas on improving and developing better statistics.
The meeting would discuss results of midterm assessment outcomes of the Strategy for Development of National Statistics System 2010-2020 over past five years and preparation and improvements of statistics strategy from now until 2025 and vision until 2030, he said.
Accurate statistics are vital in monitoring and evaluating implementation of the NSEDP aiming to lift Laos from least developed countries by 2020, along with vision 2030 in line with sustainable development goals.
The meeting was also to agree on disseminating, advertising and supporting mechanisms in using statistical data for making decisions and building confidence in society, Dr Samaychan said.
Source: Vientiane Times
