Muscat: On Wednesday, the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia formalized a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to foster collaboration in statistics and information. This MoU, executed at the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), aims to strengthen the existing partnership between the two nations.
The agreement 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 intends to enhance the statistical framework by facilitating the exchange of expertise, implementing programs to promote statistical awareness, improving data accessibility, coordinating visits between experts and specialists from both countries, organizing joint conferences and workshops, and identifying new avenues for future collaboration.
Al Barwani remarked that the MoU represents a significant advancement towards establishing a cohesive GCC statistical system that generates reliable data to support decision-makers. He emphasized that collaboration with GASTAT will create wider opportunities for sharing expertise and enhancing national capabilities to benefit the mutual interests of both countries.
In his comments, Al Dosari stated, "The MoU is aimed at strengthening our bilateral partnership to improve joint efforts and share expertise in the statistics domain."
During the signing event, the NCSI presented an overview of its key projects, which it claims are part of a comprehensive vision for advancing the national statistical system in accordance with the highest international standards and practices.
The signing of this MoU underscores the commitment of both nations to bolster cooperation and promote integration across essential sectors, particularly the statistics and information sector, which is crucial for supporting decision-making and shaping development policies.
