Minister of Planning Discusses National Statistics Strategy with CAPMAS Head

H.E. Dr. Hala El-Said, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, met with Major General Khairat Barakat, Head of the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS), to discuss the agency's efforts in conducting surveys and statistical censuses. The meeting was also attended by Dr. Ahmed Kamali, Deputy Minister of Planning, and Kamal Nasser, Assistant Minister for Technical Office Affairs.

The meeting included a review of the preparation of the national strategy for developing Egypt's statistical system. This strategy aims to establish a comprehensive framework to enhance statistical work, address data gaps, and promote the use of statistics in national policies, planning processes, budget preparations, and performance indicators. It also seeks to produce information that meets users' needs and makes it available in appropriate formats. Additionally, it aims to integrate various sectors within the national statistical system and develop a plan for building statistical capacities. This strategy has been in the works for nearly two years in collaboration with 18 Egyptian ministries and government and research entities, as well as several international institutions and organizations involved in statistical work. The first draft is expected to be released next month.

The meeting also discussed the progress of the sixth economic census for 2022/2023, which is nearing the completion of its fieldwork. This census provides a substantial database for government agencies and researchers, encompassing all aspects of economic activities such as employment, the number of establishments, activities, added value, production inputs, and profits. It contributes to determining the gross domestic product (GDP) at the national level.

Moreover, the meeting addressed ongoing efforts to develop CAPMAS's information and digital infrastructure and the efforts to provide the agency with qualified human resources capable of handling databases and keeping pace with developments in digital transformation and artificial intelligence.