Oman, Saudi Arabia Ink MoU to Enhance
Statistical Cooperation

Muscat, 3 Sep (ONA) — The
Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia today signed a memorandum of
understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the fields of statistics and information.
The MoU, signed at
the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), was aimed to consolidate the existing partnership between the two countries.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Khalifa
Abdullah Al Barwani, CEO of the NCSI, and Dr. Fahd Abdullah Al Dosari, President of the General
Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) in Saudi Arabia.

The MoU seeks to upgrade the statistical
system through the exchange of expertise, conduct programmes
to spread awareness about the statistical culture, facilitate access to data, regulate
visits between experts and specialists from the two countries, organize the holding of joint conferences and workshops and explore new areas
of future cooperation.

Al Barwani said that the MoU constitutes a
step forward towards the establishment of an integrated GCC statistical system that produces
reliable data supports decision-makers. He added that cooperation with GASTAT
will open broader channels for exchanging expertise and developing national
competencies to serve the two countries’ common interests.

For his part, Al Dosari said, “The
MoU is in pursuance of bilateral partnership to enhance joint action and exchange
expertise in the field of statistics.”

During the signing ceremony, the
NCSI gave a presentation in which it showcased its prominent projects that, it said, form
part of an integrated vision for developing the national statistical system in
line with the best international standards and practices.

The signing of the MoU reflected the
two countries’ commitment to enhance cooperation and encourage integration among
vital sectors—including the statistics and information sector, which plays a key
role in supporting decision-making and guiding development policies.

— Ends/Bishara/AG