Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Nepal and Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) signed an agreement on February 2016 to implement the technical cooperation project named “Project on Capacity Development for the implementation of Economic Census 2018 in Nepal”.

The objectives of the Project are to develop the capacity of CBS officials to conduct National Economics Census 2018 and to enhance skills in conducting other related statistical surveys. The duration of the project will be for five years from March 2016.

The National Economic Census 2018 aims to strengthen the statistical infrastructure by establishing statistical business register containing information of all establishments and enterprises and providing with the fundamental statistics on the current status of business activities of the economic units in Nepal.

According to a press release issued by JICA-Nepal, the statistical results will be further used for planning and implementation of policies, plans and strategies of line ministries, province level, and local governments, as well as use for universities, research institutions and private sector. Currently, CBS is implementing the Pilot Survey 2017 of National Economic Census 2018. For the successful implementation of the pilot survey, especially to realize e-Census, Computer Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI), Enumeration Area Map Database with satellite imagery, and the decentralization of data processing, JICA Nepal has provided equipment worth of NPR 57,728,650.45 to CBS under the ongoing project.

Chief Representative of JICA Nepal Jun Sakuma handed over the Office Equipment to Suman Raj Aryal Director General of CBS in CBS office. The supported equipment includes 14 laptop computers, 39 sets of desktop computers, 78 sets of tablet computers, smart phones, printers, computer software, LCD projector sets, screen, air conditioners, GIS Software and satellite imagery, solar power generation system and plotter.