国内英语新闻：NBS minute signals reform in China's economic statistical system

BEIJING, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- China's National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) under new chief Ma Jiantang is likely to reform its statistical system to ensure the authenticity and timeliness of data and help the government to better cope with the uncertainties of outside economic influences, the minutes of an NBS meeting show.

    After his inauguration as the NBS director, Ma has said he felt pressure, but was confident of taking over "the baton of statistical reform and development."

    "The changing world economy, especially the financial turmoil triggered by the U.S. sub-prime mortgage crisis, had increased the uncertainties of China's macro-economic development and stability and set new tasks for statisticians," said Ma.

    "I would like to work with all NBS staff together to advance reforms and innovations in statistical systems, indices and methods to make sure statistical work could better serve the pursuit of scientific development to shift the target of economic expansion from quantity to quality, and building a moderately prosperous society."

    According to the minute, Ma gave no details of his reform plans. But his predecessor, Xie Fuzhan, who was transferred to head the Research Office of the State Council, admitted in his leaving speech that the foundation for China's statistical work remained feeble, with a lot to be done in optimizing statistical methods and management.

    "Both the status of statistical departments and the capability of statisticians needs to improve to meet their obligations and fulfill their tasks," Xie said. He took up the post two years ago after his predecessor Qiu Xiaohua fell over fund scandal.

    Authorized by the State Council to examine and calculate the economic output nationwide and to collect and compile economic figures for almost all industries and sectors, the NBS offers basic statistical information and policy advice for higher authorities and government departments.

    Ma, a doctor of economics who graduated from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, viewed authenticity and timeliness as "the lifeblood of statistics work" and "the way for statisticians to conduct themselves".

    He said the essence and core of statistics was to reflect facts, analyze real situations and seek truth, according to the minute.

    Ma also urged NBS staff to resist all fabrications of data, secure the quality of figures and work with professionalism.

    Under the current management system, local statistical departments serve two bosses, with the NBS giving them statistical assignments but local governments in charge of their personnel and finance. The NBS was only authorized to assist governors, municipal mayors and autonomous region chiefs in managing the heads of NBS branches.

    Prestige-minded local officials looking for advancement have often tested the integrity of statisticians within their jurisdiction.

    To remedy the situation, China's legislature revised the implementation rules of Statistics Law in 2006, which authorized NBS investigation teams to undertake independent statistical surveys and reports in all provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions.

    Under the Statistics Law, leading members of local authorities who alter statistical data without authorization, fabricate statistical data, compel or prompt statisticians to tamper with figures will be subject to administrative sanctions. Officials who retaliate against statisticians who refuse to fabricate data face criminal penalties.

    After more than two decades of sizzling growth at the cost of depleted resources, increased energy consumption and environmental damage, the Chinese economy is undergoing a tough rebalancing that puts more emphasis on quality than quantity.

    As global economic slowdown could dampen exports -- a major growth engine -- more than expected, the government has become increasingly careful with monetary tools like interest rates, deposit reserve ratios as well as industrial and fiscal policies so as not to plunge the expanding economy into recession.

    Senior decision-makers have been demanding precise and more timely statistics for earlier warnings in the event of slowdown or other ailments.

    Ma was appointed vice governor of Qinghai in December 2004 and used to work with the State Economic and Trade Commission and the Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council.