The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) in cooperation with the Arab Industrial Development and Mining Organization (AIDMO), Islamic Development Bank Group and the High Commissioner for Planning of Morocco are conducting a workshop on industrial statistics in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco between 10 and 13 November 2008.
Background:
The Arab region still suffers from a lack of detailed database on the industrial sector due to the insufficiency of regularly conducted surveys on industrial statistics and absence of adequate methods to collect, compile and update already existing information. Statistical bureaus and ministries of industry in the Arab region are facing challenge a multitude of financial or technical problems in the areas of data collection and dissemination of industrial statistics. This comes at a time when information plays a key role in sector-wide planning and overall industrial development. These obstacles are problematic especially for policy-makers in the fields of industry and investments in the Arab countries.
Inconsistencies in the collection and processing of data as well as discrepancies in the methodologies followed in conducting statistical surveys set obstacles against the ability to conduct relevant studies and research and construct comparative analysis for the Arab countries. Such studies are essential in helping investors create opportunities for national or joint Arab projects, mainly in the Arab private sector. For the Arab region, investments based on sound data will help the industrial sector withstand challenges in the context of globalization, economic blockades and mass mergers between large companies.
Objectives:
The workshop aims at increasing the participants' knowledge in the area of collection and manipulation of industrial statistics. Participants will expand their knowledge of statistical systems, international classifications and methodologies used in collect industrial data. The workshop aims at unifying the concepts and definitions of industrial statistics in the light of international recommendations with a focus on proper implementation in conjunction with the Arab context.
Participants:
Officials of the Census Bureau, specialists in the field of industrial statistics, and Arab organizations and agencies will be involved directly in the course. Two trainers will be invited from each Arab country, one from the Central Office of Statistics and the other from the Ministry of Industry.
Main Topics:
* Conducting field surveys, sampling and appropriate questionnaire design
* Different sources of data in the industrial sector
* International classifications
* Indices of industrial production
* Methods of measurement and analyzing industrial indicators
* Development of industrial statistics' databases and systems
Implementation of the method:
* Lectures
* Discussions and studies, country experiences and practical application
Language:
English and Arabic will be used in the sessions and translation will be available.
Accommodation and travel arrangements:
The workshop will take place in the High Commissioner for Planning in Rabat, Morocco.
Nominated participants are requested to fill nomination form and send copies of their passport in order to finalize the administrative arrangements concerning their travel to
Ms. Amal Nicola (Tel: +9611978 465, e-mail: nicola@un.org).
Mr. Ismail Lubbad (Tel: +9611978 443, e-mail: lubbad@un.org).
When receiving the nomination of participants, we will contact them directly and provide additional administrative guidance.
League of Arab States, Cairo, Egypt
