Remarks by Ms. Carol S. Carson at the 20th Anniversary of the Statistical Law of China

It is an honor to participate in this event to mark the 20th anniversary of the Statistics Law of China. I would like to thank the organizers of the event, including the National Bureau of Statistics, for inviting me to address this distinguished gathering together with other honored speakers.

It is well recognized in the international statistical community that a country’s statistical law should set out clearly the importance of good-quality statistics, the roles of the various agencies in compiling statistics, and the obligations of citizens and institutions to report accurately and fully to these agencies. Such a law should also set out clearly which agency establishes the standards for statistical activities and coordinates the various activities, including contact with the international statistical community. The Statistics Law in China does all of these things in an admirable way. In particular, it sets out the roles of the National Bureau of Statistics in establishing statistical standards and in coordination of statistical activity.

It is also recognized in the international statistical community that citizens of the country should know about the laws and conditions under which statistics are prepared in their country. In that context, I am pleased to note that China’s Statistics Law has been on the website of the National Bureau of Statistics for some years. Further, high-profile events such as this, which help promote statistics and an evidence-based decision making will be viewed as a “good practice.” I would encourage the National Bureau to submit information about this event today to the United Nations website on Good Practices in Statistics so that other countries can follow China’s example.

With respect to activities carried out by the National Bureau of Statistics under the Statistics Law, I would like to single out two for special note.

First, NBS is the coordinator for China’s participation in the IMF’s General Data Dissemination System, or GDDS. China’s participation in the GDDS, beginning April 2002, was seen, both inside China and internationally as major step in China’s continuing efforts to reform the statistical system.

Second, NBS announced steps on November 20 to have an open, established policy on revisions of GDP. Revisions and how these are conducted are often seen an important indicator of the strength and maturity of a statistical agency. These steps about revisions add to the stature of the NBS.

In closing, the Statistics Law has proven to be good foundation for statistical development in the last 20 years. I wish China and its statistical agencies, in particular the National Bureau of Statistics, continued success building on this foundation.