Korea-Czech Republic Statistics Chiefs Agree to Strengthen Cooperation on COVID-19 Response Statistics

Kang Shin-wook, Commissioner of the Korea National Statistical Office, is briefing on the trends and evaluation of the supplementary survey results by employment type in August 2019 at the Government Seoul Office Annex on the 29th. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] On the afternoon of the 28th, Statistics Korea announced that Kang Shin-wook, Commissioner of Statistics Korea, and Marek Roytchek, Commissioner of the Czech Statistical Office, discussed ways to strengthen mutual statistical cooperation to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic through a bilateral statistical cooperation meeting.

The meeting was held via an international video conference as statistical offices worldwide are facing similar difficulties in compiling key statistics such as employment and inflation due to COVID-19.

Commissioner Kang mentioned the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries this year and expressed hope to strengthen mutual statistical cooperation. He especially expressed gratitude for the Czech government's friendly attitude towards Korea during the crisis, including early exclusion of Korea from the list of high-risk COVID-19 countries, easing of entry restrictions, and lifting of flight bans.

In response, Commissioner Roytchek highly praised Korea's effective response to COVID-19 and showed interest in the various measures established by Statistics Korea to maintain an accurate statistical production system.

They also exchanged views on the economic impact confirmed through statistics such as recent negative growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and decreases in exports and imports, and wished for overcoming the crisis through expanded mutual exchanges.

Furthermore, they agreed that “providing accurate data” must precede economic recovery and policy formulation after COVID-19, and shared a consensus on the necessity of international solidarity.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Kang proposed expanding the issue globally, stating, "Taking this COVID-19 situation as an opportunity, international statistical communities such as the United Nations should discuss proactive response measures, including the transition to 'Untact survey methods.'"

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