Mr. Ma Jiantang Met with Mr. Tjark Tjin-A-Tsoi, Director General of Statistics Netherlands, Signed the Memorandum of Understanding between NBS and Statistics Netherlands
On November 4, Mr. Ma Jiantang, Commissioner of NBS, met with Mr. Tjark Tjin-A-Tsoi, Director General of Statistics Netherlands, signed a memorandum of understanding on statistical cooperation and project implementation agreement between NBS and Statistics Netherlands. Netherlands Ambassador Aart Jacobi attended the signing ceremony, Mr. Xie Hongguang, Deputy Commissioner of NBS, attended the meeting and presided over related presentations.
Mr. Ma Jiantang extended a warm welcome to Mr. Tjark Tjin-A-Tsoi. Mr. Ma said that Mr. Tjark Tjin-A-Tsoi arranged a visit to China just six months later after taking his seat as the Director General of Statistics Netherlands in April this year, indicating that he valued the statistical cooperation between the two countries.
Mr. Ma introduced the current key work and development ideas in the coming period of China statistics to Mr. Tjark Tjin-A-Tsoi. Mr. Ma pointed out that a lot of work had been done for China statistics, which could be summarized as to build modern statistics by making use of modern information technology, to apply modern information technology into all phases of statistical production process, and into all kinds of censuses and surveys. In the survey design phase, we had implemented the design of electronic statements; in the data collection phase, we had implemented online reporting system and hand-held terminals (PDA); In the data processing phase, we had conducted centralized processing; in the data release phase, we had promoted customer service supported by a database, including mobile clients and Wechat services. China statistics will continue to go in this direction, and further utilize modern information technology at work.
Mr. Ma pointed out that the age of big data had arrived, which brought challenges to traditional statistical production, but also provided opportunities. Big data will become a second track besides traditional data collection. In the past, statisticians produced data by themselves, in future, they will also actively take advantage of big data that already exists around. NBS had made a lot of efforts in the use of big data, and had achieved certain results.
Mr. Tjark Tjin-A-Tsoi introduced the key emphasis in work at present and in the coming period of Statistics Netherlands. Statistics Netherlands will strengthen the integration of data collection, in particular take full advantage of the administrative records retained by Netherlands government departments; promote research in big data applications, especially make use of electronic documents generated in social economic activities; strengthen the interpretation of statistical data, and be closer to users of statistics.
The two sides reviewed the statistical cooperation and exchange between NBS and Statistics Netherlands in the last three years, and were deeply satisfied with the progress and achievements. Both sides believed that there existed great potential and a broad area for cooperation between NBS and Statistics Netherlands, the two sides should strengthen high-level visits, well execute the statistical cooperation project of wholesale and retail, explore how to convert business accounting data to statistical data, jointly carry out coordination training under the United Nations Project, jointly conduct study on the use of big data, and exchange experience on serving the media campaigns.
Messrs. Ma Jiantang and Tjark Tjin-A-Tsoi signed a memorandum of understanding on statistical cooperation and project agreement on statistical cooperation of wholesale and retail between NBS and Statistics Netherlands.
Mr. Tjark Tjin-A-Tsoi and his entourage also visited Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Statistics and Xicheng District Municipal Bureau of Statistics of Beijing, to gain insight into the statistical work at municipal and district levels, as well as make a site inspection on collecting consumer prices by using PDA.
Mr. Daniel von Berg, International Relations Officer and Policy Adviser of Statistics Netherlands, accompanied Mr. Tjark Tjin-A-Tsoi on the visit. Messrs. Du Weiqun, Acting Director-General of Department of International Cooperation, Xu Xiaohai, Director-General of Department of Policies and Legislation, Liu Fujiang, Director-General of Department of Statistical Design and Management, Xia Rongpo, Director-General of Statistics Education and Training Centre, Lin Tao, Deputy Director-General of Department of Trade and External Economic Relations Statistics, NBS, were present.