Gowda calls for greater regional synergy on statistics

Putting a premium on greater regional co-operation, Statistics Minister D V Sadananda Gowda today said accurate, reliable and timely information (statistics) is an essential ingredient for policy-making.
"Accurate, reliable and timely information plays an important role for effective decision making in almost every aspect of human endeavour. It is an essential ingredient for decisions makers and policy planners," stated Gowda while inaugurating the 8th Meeting of Heads of SAARC Statistical Organisations (SAARCSTAT) in New Delhi today.
India is hosting the three-day meeting, and delegates from SAARC members and other international organisations such as FAO, PARIS 21, and ADB attended the meet. The theme this time around is Trade Statistics - Merchandise & Services.

While delivering the keynote address, the minister emphasised on greater regional cooperation for mutual development to accelerate free trade in goods and services in the region.
"It is essential to put into operation simplified and transparent rules of origin, implementation of trade facilitation measures and harmonisation of standards," the minister said.
He also touched upon technical Barriers to trade (TBT) and sanitary and phyto-sanitary measures, harmonized, streamlined and simplified Customs procedures, elimination of non-tariff and para-tariff barriers, policy initiatives for comparable statistics and smooth and efficient transit and transport facilities.

This, the minister said, will help in better understanding of the existing economic statistical frameworks and guidelines.

Reducing asymmetry in trade data among SAARC countries also came up for discussion in the meeting.
India has decided to offer two slots to SAARC member countries in training programmes conducted by the National Statistical Systems Training Academy.