Int’l analysts praise professionalism of DoS cadres

AMMAN — Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Imad Fakhoury on Saturday met with the MEDSTAT (Euro-Med Statistics Programme) team of international experts over ways to evaluate the work of statistical offices.

The visit was aimed at assessing the work of statistical offices in the EU and the South Mediterranean countries by conducting a comprehensive review and evaluation based on the 16 principles of the statistical practices convention, according to a statement released by the ministry. 

The minister said the Department of Statistics (DoS) is waiting for the results of the experts’ final report to be able to maintain its commitment to continued improvement.

The expert team discussed the preliminary results of their evaluation of DoS with Fakhoury. 

After holding meetings with ministries, public and private institutions, civil society organisations and data users concerned with the national statistical system, it gave recommendations on a set of issues that would develop the work of DoS, the statement said.

The team’s mission included revision of the principles of independence and professionalism, confidentiality, transparency, objectivity and easy access to data.

The report on preliminary evaluation results, submitted to the minister, said DoS enjoys high professionalism and independence, and its employees are highly skilled, the statement said. 

The team praised DoS for the success in conducting the national population census in 2015, using modern technology in all its stages.

The report recommends updating the Public Statistics Law to organise statistics in Jordan and allow the application of the EU’s standard law that guarantees the application of best practices in statistics. 

The minister stressed that DoS is committed to incorporating the recommendations into its endeavours to draft the new national statistics strategy for 2017-2019, expected to be finalised this year.