H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, received Major General Khairat Barakat, Head of the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS), to follow up on preparations for the 2027 General Population, Housing, and Establishments Census, as well as to review efforts to enhance the Agency’s infrastructure and the implementation of various surveys.
At the beginning of the meeting, H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized the vital role played by CAPMAS in providing accurate and reliable statistical data and information, which reflects on development efforts and strengthens evidence-based policymaking.
Al-Mashat discussed developments in the censuses and surveys conducted by CAPMAS, including the 6th Economic Census, scheduled to be launched before the end of the current fiscal year, and preparations for the 2027 Population, Housing, and Establishments Census. H.E. underscored the importance of continuously updated and audited data in supporting decision-making to achieve economic and sustainable development, and contributing to the formulation of effective policies based on this data in various development sectors across the country, as well as identifying national priorities and directing resources toward the most needy sectors, achieving optimal resource utilization and enhancing the effectiveness of efforts.
The meeting also addressed ongoing measures and plans to develop CAPMAS’s information infrastructure and update its website, in partnership with the Digital Transformation Department at the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation. Discussions highlighted efforts to qualify human resources at CAPMAS to effectively manage databases, and to keep pace with advances in digital transformation and artificial intelligence. The meeting also reviewed mechanisms to develop the statistical system to address data gaps and expand the use of statistics in national policymaking, planning, budgeting, and performance indicators.
The meeting also discussed cooperation between CAPMAS and various ministries, as well as the protocols being implemented to conduct surveys in various fields, thereby enhancing evidence-based policymaking efforts.
For his part, Major General Khairat Barakat expressed his appreciation for the support provided by the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation to enhance CAPMAS’s capacity to carry out its role in conducting national and sectoral surveys and censuses, highlighting the importance of these censuses and surveys in enhancing decision-makers' ability to make accurate and targeted decisions.