CRI听力：Experts: Second Economic Census Will Provide Key Reference for Policy Makers

Anchor:
China has launched the Second National Economic Census that aims to get a detailed view of its secondary and tertiary industries.

In an exclusive interview with CRI, Li Qiang, China's Chief Statistician, says the results of the national census will provide policy makers with key reference points to devise future national macro-economic plans amid the global financial crisis.

Our reporter Zheng Chenguang has the details. (www.hxen.net)

Reporter:
Conducted every five years, the national economic census is crucial for the government to get a thorough understanding of the country's economic situation.

Li Qiang is Chief Statistician of the National Bureau of Statistics.

"The second national census plays a fundamental role in the making of the 12th five year plan for the 2011-2015 periods. The census will provide us with comprehensive statistics for China's economic scale, growing pace, and structure. It will enable us to see clearly the development pattern for China's different regions, industries and products."

Li Qiang also points out that while carrying out the census, special attention will be paid to energy-consumption in the country's economic development.

"With rapid economic development, China has a growing demand for energy. However, the supply is limited. Therefore, energy shortages may put high pressure on sustaining economic development. Under these circumstances, the census has expanded its scope of survey in the structure of energy-consumption. It will offer the government critical reference points in decision-making while formulating energy policies."

Moreover, the chief statistician tells CRI that in the current world financial crisis, the census is of particular importance as its outcome will show the government how small and medium-size enterprises are faring amid shrinking overseas demand.

"Through the census, we will get an overall view of small and medium sized companies' status quo and their difficulties in the face of global economic turmoil. After that, we will be better prepared to weather the crisis and maintain economic growth with sensible counter measures."

It is estimated that about eight million industrial enterprises and more than 30 million private businesses will be involved in the second census.

Li Qiang stresses that statisticians at different levels should ensure the accuracy of the census' figures. To that end, statistics bureaus at various levels have vowed to mobilize all resources available to accomplish the task.

Gu Yanzhou, deputy director-general of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Statistics, reveals how his department has prepared to meet the objective.

"Beijing has set up leading offices at three different levels. They are scattered in 18 districts and counties as well as over 300 communities and towns. We have enrolled youth volunteers to take part in our work. After effective technical training, 53,000 statisticians and staffs will be assigned to collect data throughout Beijing."

The Second National Census will take about one year to complete and its final results will be revealed at the beginning of 2010.

Zheng Chenguang, CRI News.