The first economic census of Bhutan begins next month. In preparation, the National Statistics Bureau (NSB) is training enumerators and supervisors who will conduct the census.
A total of 85 enumerators, all graduates, have been recruited to carry out the two-month long survey.
The 2018 Economic Census of Bhutan will survey business units, non-governmental and corporate organisations, and other sectors that are engaed in productive activities.
Information like the nature of the activity, costs, income, number of people employed and the source of finance will be collected through the census.
“We are hopeful the information we collect through the economic census will help us gain a better understanding of the trend and structure of the economy, which will be helpful for planning, policy formulation as well as evidence-based decision making,” Chhime Tshering, the Director of NSB said.
The NSB initiated economic census will be carried out with technical and financial assistance from the World Bank.
“Without the economic census, we will not understand what the problems and opportunities are,” Yoichiro Ishihara, the Resident Representative of the World Bank Country Office, said.
“To me, the micro-economy and the economy is the core of Bhutan’s development. After the census, I am sure, we will have a much better economic policy, which will further contribute to the development of Bhutan.”
The enumerators will first be deployed for a period of 15 days in Phuentshogling and Thimphu Thromdes.
