The very importance of collecting, having available updated official statistic data has been highlighted as essential towards achieving social economic development goals of Solomon Islands.
Ministry of Finance and Treasury Permanent Secretary, Harry Kuma said this during the launching of the 2012 – 2013 Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) Reports Findings on Friday.
“Data and official statistics is very important to social economic development. Particularly in evidenced-based decision making and policy formulation in the country,” he said.
Mr Kuma noted without relevant, quality and timely data and statistical information, it would be impossible to accurately formulate, design and monitor policies and programmes.
“Without the right statistical data equitable resource allocation and fair delivery of services to our people in the rural areas will also be very difficult.
“I believe that key household statistical indicators such as household consumption expenditure by province, average and median incomes, measures of equitable distribution of income, types of expenditure and incomes and other information obtained from the HIES will support government policy in enhancing social reform and economic advancement in the country.
“Addressing and meeting the basic needs of peoples in rural areas, addressing food security and poverty alleviation and ensuring a healthy, literate and a contented population.”
The Permanent Secretary said this HIES data will also enable the Ministry to make revisions to the current consumer price index (CPI) and, as well as updating the GDP estimates.
“These are two key economic indicators that will continue to help us better forecast our fiscal and economic growth, and help us provide better services to our people.”
By BRADFORD THEONOMI
