Mr. Ma Jiantang Attended the Fourth Meeting of Heads of National Statistical Offices of BRICS Countries and the Fourth OECD World Forum
During October 15 to 19, Mr. Ma Jiantang, Commissioner of NBS, led a delegation to visit New Delhi, India, to attend the fourth Meeting of Heads of National Statistical Offices of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and the fourth OECD World Forum.
The fourth Meeting of Heads of National Statistical Offices of BRICS was held on October 15. Mr. Ma Jiantang, as well as the Heads of National Statistical Offices of Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa, reviewed the editing work of BRICS Joint Statistical Publication 2012 together, determined the editing framework of 2013 Version, introduced the use of sample survey techniques for official statistics in BRICS countries, preliminarily discussed the further coordination of statistical offices of BRICS, and the in-depth cooperation on data releasing.
The heads of NSOs of BRICS countries thought that during the process of editing and publishing BRICS Joint Statistical Publication 2012, the National Statistical Offices of BRICS, especially the Central Statistical Organization of India, had overcome the difficulties of tight schedule, provided detailed statistics to the Fourth BRICS summit in time, and achieved good effects. For BRICS Joint Statistical Publication 2013, Mr. Ma Jiantang supported the proposition of India to add indicators related to “Millennium Development Goals”, and the trade matrix for BRICS countries. Mr. Ma Jiantang pointed out that BRICS countries had made significant progress in achieving the Millennium Development Goals, reflecting these indicators in the publication is conducive to improving the value in use. On the specific arrangements, in accordance with the principles of the easier issues first, and gradually expand the content of the Millennium Development Goals. Mr. Ma Jiantang agreed to add the trade matrix for BRICS countries in the publication, as well as to reflect the rapid growth of trade. Mr. Ma Jiantang demonstrated the style of his own designed tables, which have been appreciated by all countries.
Mr. Du Weiqun, Director-General, Department of International Cooperation of NBS, made a presentation on “Sample Survey Technologies Used in China’s Official Statistics” during the special seminar on “ Use of sample survey techniques for official statistics”.
In response to the invitation of Mr. Angel Gurria, Secretary-General, OECD, Mr. Ma Jiantang participated in the fourth OECD World Forum on Measuring Well-Being for Development and Policy Making, and introduced China’s Practice in Measuring Well-Being in English to all the representatives on the Round Table: Measuring Well-Being Initiatives in Individual Countries. Mr. Ma Jiantang introduced China’s Practice in measuring well-being and well-being Index which developed by Guangdong Province, and the Xiaokang Society Measurement Framework and the Development and Life Index which developed by NBS. Mr. Ma particularly pointed out, if we have GDP only, we may not be happy enough. But if we do not have enough GDP, we cannot feel happy. We need to go beyond GDP, but we cannot give up GDP. Statisticians and economists may have to refuse the extremes of GDP and happiness, to a large extent, happiness is a matter of philosophy, and a matter of perception. Statisticians and economists have to be aware of it.
On October 16, on invitation of the Central Statistical Organization (CSO) of India, Mr. Ma Jiantang visited the National Academy of Statistical Administration (NASA) of CSO, to get understanding of the training objectives, training objects, curriculum, training capacity, funding sources, and etc.. Mr. Ma Jiantang hoped that, NASA and International Statistical Training Center of NBS should strengthen the exchanges and cooperation, support each other, and jointly contribute to the capacity building for statisticians in the Asia-Pacific region both in theories and business skills.
On invitation of the Chinese Embassy in India, Mr. Ma Jiantang made a breifing on economic situation to the staff in the embassy.
Messrs. Du Weiqun, Director-General, Department of International Cooperation, Zhao Yuncheng, Director-General, International Statistical Information Center, Pan Fan, Director-General, Research Institute of Statistical Sciences of NBS, participated the Forum and the Study Tour.