Manama, Dec. 23 (BNA): The Information and e-Government Authority joined the Gulf Statistics Center and other governmental statistical institutions in the GCC countries in celebrating the Gulf Statistics Day, which falls on December 24 of each year. This year’s theme is “Statistics for Sustainable Opportunity”.
The Acting CEO of the Information and eGovernment Authority and Executive Vice President of Electronic Transformation, Dr. Zakaria Al Khaja, congratulated the professionals working in the statistical fields across the Kingdom and the GCC countries, highlighting the importance of their studies and surveys in improving the reliability and sustainability of Gulf databases and indicators, and more. . Accurately reflect the performance of different sectors. Accurate and reliable data is invaluable to decision makers who formulate national policies and strategies.
Dr. Al-Khaja discussed the most prominent achievements of the Information and e-Government Authority in statistics during the year 2022, including its integration with government agencies such as customs affairs, which ensures reliable exchange of information and facilitates the flow of data used in Bahrain’s foreign trade statistics. The Information and eGovernment Authority has also expanded the use of administrative records in surveys and studies, and is looking forward to strengthening cooperation with the sources of this data through a number of agreements aimed at ensuring periodic receipt of the required data. The information is then examined by the statistics team at the Information and eGovernment Authority in accordance with international standards. This data includes the use of NBR records to estimate GDP in line with the Convention and through a committee that monitors and examines the methodologies applied in preparing seasonal and annual estimates in line with international standards. .
A number of statistical systems that depend on administrative records were presented during the year, the most prominent of which is the hotels and apartments system, which was implemented by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority. The system produces indicators for the hotel sector in real time, covering all licensed hotel establishments, and is used to produce tourism statistics.
Dr. Al-Khaja listed many other achievements, including improving coordination between the Information and e-Government Authority, the Ministry of Finance and National Economy, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, which led to the adoption of new methodologies, including reliance on administrative records, that would help decision-makers improve The contribution of the financial sector to the gross domestic product and the recovery of the Kingdom’s economy
He added that one of the most prominent achievements of the Information and e-Government Authority was the launch of a joint Gulf survey in November 2022 targeting Gulf companies and institutions headquartered in Bahrain. The survey, which was conducted in cooperation with the GCC Statistical Center, aims to measure the impact of economic decisions issued by the GCC Supreme Council, and will help improve sustainable economic integration among the Gulf countries. Results are expected to be announced in early 2023.
Dr. Al-Khaja highlighted the close cooperation with the General Authority for Statistics in Saudi Arabia, particularly with regard to the production of official statistics from administrative records, and the authority’s unique expertise in conducting these types of surveys.
The Information and eGovernment Authority has formed joint teams with many public and private institutions that ensure the updating of national data and indicators. This is in addition to the international cooperation with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), whose indicators include the Information and e-Government Authority in its work.
The GCC Statistics Day was announced through the decision of the GCC Ministerial Committee in its 141st session held on November 24, 2016 in Manama, as the GCC Statistics Day sheds light on the important role of statisticians and statisticians in development planning, and strengthens partnerships between the GCC countries Gulf cooperation.
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