Statistical Information Management

Results as of October 2011 include: CIDA’s contribution has led to the development and implementation of an integrated household survey based on international standards. The integrated household survey will produce a range of social statistics including statistics related to poverty income distribution and marginalized populations. Prior to this China had separate rural and urban household surveys using different methodologies and indicators which meant that the data was not comparable and was difficult to use. Through the project’s economic statistics component China’s GDP calculation has improved bringing it in line with the United Nations’ System of National Accounts which is the international standard. A unified set of surveys has been developed to measure the impact of different business sectors on the economy providing accurate data for the use of policy makers investors and academics. Through the environmental component the project assisted the National Bureau of Statistics in developing its first-ever set of environmental accounts including energy use air quality and water quality indicators in line with international standards. In addition China’s first Environmental Protection Expenditure classification system has been developed also in line with international standards. These results will provide Chinese policy makers with essential data for evidence-based decisions related to social economic and environmental issues.