Chinas Statistical System
China has a long history of population and industry development tracking its success since the Zhou Dynastys methods of registering people and performing surveys of land and agricultural output.
Today, the countrys statistical system consists of a state-level National Bureau of Statistics (the NBS) and independent provincial-level statistical authorities in each of the countrys 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities. In view of Chinas size, population and geography, the overall statistical system is impressive in terms of its capacity and its ability cover the major aspects of economic and social life.
At the national level, the NBS provides macro-level information to analyze Chinese economic performance and trends. It monitors socio-economic indicators, such as population size and structure, industry, retail and wholesale trade, construction and transportation, energy, employment and labor force, prices, and more. The NBS processes and compiles the national data into compilations and reports that are used by institutions such as the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Finance, the State Commission of Economic Development, and the National Statistics Commission.
Meanwhile, the provincial-level statistical authorities generate micro-level data from surveys and reports focused on their respective areas. In addition to the qualifications and experience of its staff, the technological tools and processing capabilities of the various provincial statistical offices are also taking shape.
In the past two decades, the statistical system of China has made significant progress and kept its operation in line with international practice. A statistical law was promulgated in 1996, followed by the “Statistics Law Implementation Regulation” in 2001. Local governments also established their own regulations to ensure that statistical work is carried out in an orderly manner. As a result, a unified statistical system was established from the central to local levels.
At the same time, measures have been taken to strengthen the ability of statistical agencies at all levels. Statistics have been collected from pre 2014 with increased strength and depth. Data is collected from sources such as non-agricultural households, market-based enterprises, and activities related to education, industry and population. Statistical surveys are conducted on topics related to urban and rural residents income, investment in fixed assets and more.
As part of the efforts to improve the system, the NBS and its provincial statistical offices have invested heavily in the development of advanced electronic systems. These systems manage statistical data in a secure environment to ensure timely, accurate, and complete data. Moreover, the data can be easily shared between different agencies, and more effectively analyzed by having access to the large data sets of varied information.
Apart from the development of its technological capabilities and data security, the statistical system in China is also gaining momentum in terms of transparency and reliability. In accordance with the changing environment and growing demand for data, the laws and regulations have been improved to strengthen confidentiality and ensure accuracy. In 2014, it was pronounced that “all statistics and other information collected or inferred from public surveys and other public sources will be presented to the public in accordance with the provisions of the law.
The NBS will continue to provide the country with accurate and reliable information for economic management, public policy development, and evaluations of social developments, which are crucial for the long-term development of the country. As data security and accuracy improve, the statistical system in China will gain greater autonomy in providing the citizens, investors and government with trustworthy information concerning the countrys development.