JEDDAH: The Central Department of Statistics and Information (CDSI) has embarked on preparing a national strategy for statistical work in the Kingdom in coordination with the relevant government and public authorities.

The CDSI will follow up on the implementation of this strategy after approval, and will also propose periodically updating it three months from now.

The new regulations for the new statistical work stipulate that the body will implement the work in accordance with recognized international standards which include identifying the methodology, designing and implementing the surveys involved, conducting the research and studies, analyzing the data and information, and then documenting and archiving them.

The regulations point to the many procedures the CDSI should make, most importantly collecting data and information that should cover all aspects of life in Saudi Arabia from its different sources and then codifying and cataloguing them; collecting data and information from administrative records of public and private establishments, and then cataloguing them to extract the required indicators; as well as developing manuals and national statistical classifications in accordance with international standards, then using and updating them as the needs arise.

The CDSI will prepare the necessary statistical reports on surveys and research and publish them; will configure the all-inclusive system of the national statistical databases in the various statistical fields; and establish a centralized system of information within CDSI at the national level linked automatically with all public and government bodies.

CDSI will provide statistical work and technical and advisory services in the field of statistics for public and private establishments, and will provide suggestions and proposals for public authorities for the development of all information systems and statistical work aimed at reaching a comprehensive, accurate and standardized statistical system.

The department should provide official statistics to public authorities, private enterprises, individuals, international bodies and organizations. It will coordinate and cooperate with counterparts in other countries, and with regional and international bodies.

CDSI will develop and implement programs and courses in the field of statistical work, and will train and qualify specialist cadres in this area. It will represent the Kingdom domestically and abroad.

The regulations are aimed at regulating statistical work in the Kingdom, and activating it by establishing a comprehensive, accurate and standardized system, and developing the plans and programs that will meet the needs of the necessary statistical services.

The regulations clarify that the resources of CDSI consist of the funds allocated in the state’s budget, and all the other assets, funds and properties it receives from other government bodies in addition to the fixed and mobile assets at its disposal, and the financial revenues it received in exchange for the services it offers, the fines and sanctions owed to it, the donations and endowments it gets or any other resources approved by its council. All the funds of CDSI are deposited in a special account under its name at the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA).