SAARCSTAT Establishment: A way forward Dr. S. K. Nath DG, CSO, India

Prelude The First meeting at Kolkata discussed this issue The ADB had shown their interest subsequently Informal discussions with Secretary- General, SAARC

Taking SAARCSTAT forward The basic concept paper of Statistical Cooperation as presented by India at Kolkata meeting projected the role of SAARCSTAT in similar way regional Statistical Groups working elsewhere. It was agreed that unless SAARCSTAT functions in its full capacity within the original framework, this group will remain a small entity meant for data compilation only In case of Eurostat, for example, they provide extremely useful inputs to EU for policy analysis and policy advocacy

Office of SAARCSTAT The question is should we not follow the road map of some of the successful statistical groups like, EUROSTAT. Can we not have a separate establishment under SAARC in any country mutually agreed upon ?

The immediate answer may be difficult since due to existing SAARC process Is not possible to have a small office of Statistical Adviser in SAARC whose primary function to carry forward the role of SAARCSTAT in an efficient way ensuring proper capacity development in SAARC member States lagging behind in Statistical arena and also work as a link man for other SAARC process.

Way forward This is an urgent issue as evident from last three years’ experience If agreed, SAARC secretariat may take necessary action by creating a post of Statistical Adviser in the category of L6 or L5 followed under UN system. This may function on consultancy basis, if SAARC secretariat finds it easier to operate within their esixting framework.

Dhanyabad Thanks