Ethiopian Review

Addis Ababa -A strong National Statistical System plays a vital role in the ongoing efforts of the government to improve livelihoods of citizens, State Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Ahmed Shide said.

The minister was speaking here on Thursday at a consultative meeting aimed at improving the national statistical system. The meeting was jointly organized by the Central Statistical Agency (CSA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Ahmed said on the occasion that the need for reliable and timely statistical data has become more crucial than ever before as Ethiopia progresses towards sustainable economic development.

The minister said strengthened National Statistical System significantly contributes in the efforts of the government to implement the poverty reduction strategy, achieve MDGs, measure, evaluate and monitor other development plans, among others.

He said Welfare Monitoring System Program put in place since 1995/96 to assess the impact of the economic reform programs on household Welfare particularly the poor and vulnerable groups needs generating poverty related data on regular basis.

In addition, dealing the food security issue being the priority area of the government, needs an improved food security information system in the country.

The minister lauded financial and technical assistance of international donor organization to improve the National Statistical System of the country. He called on the organizations on the occasion to continue support for the same purpose.

UNDP country representative, Fiedal Sarasoro on the occasion said activities are carried out to build the capacity of the CSA.

The representative expressed UNDP’s readiness to cooperate in the efforts to realize reliable statistical system in the country.

- ENA