The Fifth Group Training Course in Application of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to Production and Dissemination of Official Statistics opened at the premises of the United Nations Statistical Institute for Asia and The Pacific (SIAP) here in Chiba, Japan, on 11 May 2009. This is one of the Tokyo Metropolitan Area (TMA) based regular programme jointly organised by SIAP and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).  This course aims to equip participants with different aspects of ICT and how it can be used to increase productivity in all aspects of the operations of a national statistical organization (NSO), more particularly its production and dissemination, and to understand the possible implications on its organization and logistics upon adoption of such technology.

Fourteen participants from thirteen countries namely Bangladesh, China, Cuba, India, Iran, Lao PDR, Mongolia, Myanmar, Palestine, Samoa, Swaziland, Tanzania and Thailand are participating in this two month long course. The major thrusts of the course are on the Applicable ICT for Statistical Work and the project work. The programme also includes visits to leading Japanese IT companies and statistical offices of central and local government of Japan.

The three main objectives of this course are:  First, participants would be trained on the principles of electronic data processing, management and dissemination, and the technologies available, including the use of some statistical software like the Census and Survey Processing System (CS Pro) for data processing.  Second, participants will be equipped with necessary knowledge and skills to become trainers that they would be able to train other staff members in their organizations or other departments upon completion of the training.  Third, participants would share experiences in the use of ICT for statistical operations and build informal networks among participants.

Mr. Yoshiaki Kano, Director General, JICA TIC, Government of Japan in his welcome address expressed the importance for statisticians to acquire latest knowledge and usage of ICT in their workplaces and Mr Makoto Shimizu, Director for International Statistical Affairs, Office of Director-General for Policy Planning (Statistical Standards), Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication wished all participants happy and fruitful stay here in Japan during the course.