China to prevent, punish economic data fraud ahead of key census by ‘building strong dams’
- China will officially launch its fifth national economic census next year, which aims to take a complete survey of the country’s secondary and tertiary industries
- Reliability of China’s economic data has long been questioned, primarily by overseas observers, who have called into question figures, including gross domestic product
A senior Chinese statistics official has warned against economic data fabrication ahead of the launch of the much-anticipated fifth national economic census.
National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) director Kang Yi said that it is necessary to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of statistical data during an inspection tour in the northeastern Liaoning province on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Liaoning province has been designated as one of the pilot provinces for the census, which will be officially launched next year.
“[We must] build strong dams to prevent and punish statistical fraud and falsification,” Kang said during a symposium on Tuesday, according to a report by the official Liaoning Daily newspaper.
It is necessary to do a solid job of statistical data production, strengthen the review of the logic, coordination and matching of the data, and ensure that statistical data truly reflects the actual situation of economic operation
Kang said the pilot programme will play a key role in designing the implementation of the census next year.
“It is necessary to do a solid job of statistical data production, strengthen the review of the logic, coordination and matching of the data, and ensure that statistical data truly reflects the actual situation of economic operation,” Kang added.
