At an event marking the annual World Statistics Day, Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif emphasized the importance of modern, inclusive databases in achieving economic and social development. Documentation of social, economic and environmental conditions is indispensable in improving aggregate living conditions, Ahmed Nazif said. The minister also stressed the need for researchers and policy-makers to access such information in order to implement sound strategies. Nazif urged prioritizing more statistical work. “Transparency and professionalism in providing data makes them more credible and reliable for users,” said Nazif. Nazif said information extrapolated from accurate statistics will enable the government to address the most necessitous regional and demographic groups. CEO of Al-Ahram daily ِAbdel Moneim Saeed, speaking at the same event, urged the Central Agency for Public Mobility and Statistics (CAPMAS) to assess natural resources--including land and water--available to be utilized for Egyptian benefit. President of CAPMAS Abu Bakr al-Gendy, however, pointed to a number of challenges facing statistical work in Egypt. He cited coordination deficiencies between data providers and users as well as the absence of statistical awareness. Translated from the Arabic Edition.
