India-EU signs MoU on collaboration for statistics

NEW DELHI: India and the European Union on Friday entered into an agreement for collaboration in the field of statistical methodology and research to generate reliable official statistics about mutual economic and social conditions.

A memorandum of understanding to this effect was signed here between Secretary in the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation T C A Anant and Head of Delegation of the EU to India Joao Cravinho during the 12th India-EU Summit here.

The agreement was signed taking into account the EU-India Joint Action Plan reviewed by the bilateral Summit held between the two sides in Marseille (France) in 2008.

Under the MoU, the two sides have agreed to foster coordination and collaboration on the development of official statistics and to increase exchanges between both sides' statistical services. India and the EU also pledged to support best practices in the field of statistics and data gathering.

The two sides resolved to develop and strengthen exchange of statistical information through high level contacts, coordination meetings and consultations, besides making efforts for harmonisation of statistical methodologies and enhancing data comparability.

India and the 27-member bloc will share experience in the areas of statistics for supporting shared strategic priorities and facilitate the exchange of statistical data.

The agreement, which will remain in place for five years, also provides for organising visits by statisticians and experts to each others countries for sharing expertise and experience.