EU ready to share experience on statistics with ASEAN

The European Union (EU) is ready to share its experience on statistics with the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN), an official said here on Friday. Director for Asia, Central Asia and the Pacific of the EU Development Co-operation Office of the European Commission Dirk Meganck said that poor statistics lead to poor policy making, meaning that any improvements in statistics gathering is highly welcome. "At first sight, it may seem that statistics are not always relevant or exciting for the average person. But sound policy is based on reliable statistics in such fields as education, health, trade, and investment. Statistics matter for both governments and regional blocks such as the EU and ASEAN and we are happy to share our 50-year experience of economic and political integration with ASEAN to promote regional cooperation in this area," said Meganck during the launch of the ASEAN Community Statistical (ACSS) Committee in ASEAN Secretariat. Later on, Suryamin, principal secretary of Indonesia's Central Agency of Statistics told reporters that in some cases, Indonesia learned from the EU about statistics. "For example, they can do surveys without having to meet respondents directly. They use mailing system and they can garner 100 percent of response," said Suryamin. He also said that as a developed region, the EU has maintained data quality. However, he said, statistics is universal. "They have European group and we have ASEAN group, originated from statistical official meetings, that is now formalized," said Suryamin.