Statistics Korea Holds the 2nd Regional Statistics Development Forum

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] On the 27th, the Korea National Statistical Office announced that it held the '2nd Regional Statistics Development Forum' at the Daejeon Convention Center to build consensus on the importance of regional statistics and to explore ways to revitalize and develop regional statistics.

Held for the second time since 2018, this forum was operated on a small scale to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), with about 30 participants from over 20 organizations including local governments, research institutes, and universities.

The forum proceeded in the order of an opening address by Yeonok Choi, Director of the Survey Management Bureau at the Korea National Statistical Office, a keynote lecture on the importance of regional statistics, expert sessions, and a comprehensive discussion.

In his opening address, Director Choi emphasized, "Accurate and timely regional statistics are essential to support rational decision-making in regional policies and to enhance public trust in policies," adding, "All statistical production agencies need to make continuous efforts to expand and improve the quality of regional statistics."

He continued, "I hope that regional statistics will take a step forward through this forum."

Professor Yunhwan Park of Kyonggi University emphasized the importance of regional statistics for revitalizing the regional economy and improving residents' quality of life in his keynote lecture titled 'Local Governments and Regional Statistics.' Professor Park mentioned, "It is necessary to establish a regional statistics network, adapt to changes in local governments, strengthen integrated platforms for regional statistics, and expand regional statistics at micro-level units."

In the expert session, presentations were made on the topic of 'Measures to Expand Regional Statistics to Respond to New Policy Demands,' including cases of developing metropolitan indicators in the Seoul Capital Area, strategies for developing local government regional statistics, and plans to introduce a new statistical regional classification system. During the comprehensive discussion, regional statistics experts such as university professors, regional researchers, and local government statistics officers engaged in in-depth discussions on ways to revitalize and develop regional statistics.

The Korea National Statistical Office plans to post the presentations from this forum on its YouTube channel starting December 7th for use by interested regional statistics stakeholders.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.