Signing a MoU to enhance Use of Data
“GASTAT” & World Bank: Our collaboration Supports Government Entities in the Exchange of Statistical Data and highlighting their efforts at the international level

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) and the World Bank signed on Monday 5/11/1440 H (8/7/2019) a memorandum of understanding to regulate statistical data exchange and enhance the joint work to support government entities. The MoU regulates the provision of data and statistics on Saudi Arabia to the World Bank, the classification of statistical data, whether the survey data produced by GASTAT from economic and household surveys or data of administrative records collected by GASTAT from government entities. The agreement also includes the mechanisms for requesting data from sources, technical responsibilities, intellectual property rights and organization aspects of publication.
 HE Dr. Fahad Bin Sulaiman Al-Tekhifi, President of GASTAT, affirmed that the organization of data exchange with international organizations is one of the strategic tracks of the work of GASTAT, which stems from Saudi Arabia’s position which is led by government entities under the guidance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. Furthermore, it reflects the role of GASTAT in increasing the pace of coordination and collaboration with the international organizations concerning data and statistical indicators of Saudi Arabia. Moreover, it reflects the importance of the World Bank’s work in highlighting these indicators in international comparison programs and in carrying out studies and research relevant to the common development aspects of all countries of the world.
The Regional Director of the World Bank in the Gulf Region, Mr. Essam Abu Sulaiman, asserted that the collaboration with the General Authority for Statistics as the official statistical body of Saudi Arabia comes in order to highlight the efforts undertaken by Saudi Arabia in various fields of development, and in response to the increasing demand for statistical data, whether survey data or data from records released by government entities. He also added that the collaboration with the Saudi statistical body will play an active role in the data request operations and provision to the World Bank, and ensure their unification according to international classifications and standards. The Regional Director of the World Bank commended the procedures carried out by GASTAT which are in accordance with the international requirements and methodologies of statistical work applicable in all countries.
The World Bank is a strong partner in the GCC for more than 50 years. Government entities in the GCC have benefited from the World Bank's global development knowledge and expertise through its technical assistance programs. These include the activities in the GCC in key areas that the Bank has extensive international technical expertise in them, including improving service delivery, encouraging diversification of economic activity, strengthening governance, strengthening social protection systems and pensions. The World Bank is also working with the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council to address interrelated issues, particularly in environmental protection.