Date:26/05/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/05/26/stories/2005052602060400.htm

Back SAARC nations to focus on statistics, data collection

Our Bureau

New Delhi , May 25

AFTER having focused on the various aspects of regional cooperation, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has decided to pay attention to statistics and data collection.

Statistics and data collection are playing a significant role in planning, policy-making and programming. SAARC members now want to take advantage of India's experience in statistics and data collection.

The heads of statistical organisations from the member-states of SAARC are to meet in Kolkata on Thursday to decide on the modes of cooperation. An official release said that representatives from Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, Bhutan and India are taking part at the two-day conference.

The conference is to be inaugurated by the Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation, Mr Oscar Fernandes. The conference will adopt a report on the discussion and mode of collaboration. India has prepared a concept paper for the SAARC forum of cooperation in statistics.

Apart from discussing the SAARC action plan on statistics, the conference will deliberate on the future course of action on the SAARC forum.