China demands accuracy of economic census data

BEIJING -- Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli on Friday said that accuracy is key for the data collected in the ongoing third national economic census.

Zhang said that data collectors must stick to independent surveys to ensure that no false data are reported.

"The third national economic census is a significant survey of the whole society and national economy," Zhang said, adding that the survey will be of practical use for the nation's efforts to comprehensively push forward reforms, accelerate the transformation of the economic development pattern, improve people's livelihoods, and boost sustainable development.

Accuracy is being emphasized because the data will provide an important basis for policymakers in making scientific decisions for both the Party and the country, Zhang said during his inspection of census work in the capital city of Beijing.

The census, launched on Wednesday, is designed to complete a database covering all economic sectors. It will cover over 10 million companies and 60 million privately or individually-owned businesses in the next three months.

Nearly three million statisticians will collect data related to enterprise ownership, staff size, financial status, production capacity and research and development activities during the census.