DODOMA, Dec 8 (NNN-DAILYNEWS) — THE South Korean government has pledged further support for strengthening statistical systems in Tanzania.
The promise was made by Republic of Korea Ambassador to Tanzania Dr. Kim Sun Pyo at the launch of TASIS, an event held in Dodoma recently.
He said Korea and Tanzania worked together to prepare the database, noting that such efforts could be extended to other countries, but there was a need to enhance cooperation to ensure that many Tanzanians use the data.
“Statistics are all about numbers, and numbers are very important. Statistics are knowledge, and knowledge is power for Tanzania,” Dr Pyo stated.
He acknowledged that Tanzania is rapidly developing compared to many other countries on the continent, thus integrating the statistical system was very important.
This comes as the country considers the possibility of translating the recently launched Tanzania Statistics Integrated System (TASIS) into Swahili.
“A lot of statistics in Tanzania are written in English, but the majority of the population is more familiar with Swahili. Therefore, Korea will see how to assist in translating the integrated system,” he said.
The ambassador maintained that statistics are very important and that Korea knows how to interpret the data and can help with capacity building.
He reminded that in the past three years, some statisticians from Tanzania visited Korea to learn how their counterpart’s work.
His statement followed a request by the Chief Statistician Dr Albina Chuwa, who appealed to the Korean government to see how they can support the translation of the system, being part of the continued long-lasting cooperation.
She applauded the Korean government’s support, saying, “Supporting a country’s statistical system means supporting its development, and this is a great milestone in cooperation.”
She said the system served as the backbone of a national statistical system aimed at empowering governments, organisations and citizens with accurate, reliable, and comprehensive data for effective decision-making, policy formulation, and sustainable development.
According to Dr Chuwa, by providing a unified platform for data storage and analysis, an integrated database system plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of a nation.
“It will guide our investments, drive innovation, and, most importantly, improve the lives of our fellow citizens. With this power comes the duty to use it responsibly, ethically, and with the utmost integrity,” she added.
TASIS, she argued, is not just a technological milestone but a tool that will empower the nation with insights and knowledge critical for informed decision-making.
The data it provides will guide them through the complexities of policy formulation, resource allocation, and sustainable development.
“In a rapidly evolving world, where challenges are complex and interconnected, the role of accurate and timely statistics cannot be overstated,” she stressed.
In her vote of thanks, NBS’s Acting Director for Population Census and Social Statistics, Ruth Minja, thanked the Korean government.
She said their technical support and skills imparted to the NBS team were highly appreciated.
“They have consistently provided support and guidance to the NBS team at all stages of the project implementation,” she observed.
They have always been generous with their time when the NBS needed their technical support, regardless of other big commitments they have back home, noted Minja.
She argued that as the national coordinator for the production, storage, and dissemination of official statistics in the country, the partnership was relevant and came at an opportune time when the government strives to enhance the availability of real-time data to respond to unprecedented demand for data to accelerate development programs at all levels.
