"Accurate, reliable and timely information plays an important role for effective decision making in almost every aspect of human endeavour. It is an essential ingredient for decisions makers and policy planners," stated Gowda while inaugurating the 8th Meeting of Heads of SAARC Statistical Organisations (SAARCSTAT) in New Delhi today.
India is hosting the three-day meeting, and delegates from SAARC members and other international organisations such as FAO, PARIS 21, and ADB attended the meet. The theme this time around is Trade Statistics - Merchandise & Services.
"It is essential to put into operation simplified and transparent rules of origin, implementation of trade facilitation measures and harmonisation of standards," the minister said.
He also touched upon technical Barriers to trade (TBT) and sanitary and phyto-sanitary measures, harmonized, streamlined and simplified Customs procedures, elimination of non-tariff and para-tariff barriers, policy initiatives for comparable statistics and smooth and efficient transit and transport facilities.
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This, the minister said, will help in better understanding of the existing economic statistical frameworks and guidelines.
India has decided to offer two slots to SAARC member countries in training programmes conducted by the National Statistical Systems Training Academy.
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