Group inks deal to share data with council

Abu Dhabi: The Statistics Centre-Abu Dhabi (Scad) and the Western Region Development Council (WRDC) have signed yesterday a service level agreement (SLA) for the exchange of statistical data and provision of logistic support.

Butti Ahmad Al Qubaisi, director, Scad and Mohammad Bin Azzan Al Mazroui, director-general, WRDC, signed the agreement at the Scad headquarter in Abu Dhabi.

The key objective of the agreement is to promote cooperation between the parties by taking best advantage of the expertise and technology used in the development of statistical products.

This, in addition to the harmonisation of statistical information required by decision-makers, investors and all those interested in Abu Dhabi in general and the western region in particular.

As part of the agreement, Scad will provide the support needed by the WRDC in the completion of the council's statistical tasks, while the WRDC will provide logistic support to facilitate Scad's operations in the western region.

The SLA also provides for working out a framework for adequate exchange and reproduction of data, including schedules and procedures for the supply of data between the parties.

Key to advancement

The parties agreed that a quick and reliable access to data compiled by the other party is key to the advancement of their respective functions.

The agreement also stated that the parties will review and adopt a common set of data exchange standards, such as standards for data format, statistical concepts, semantic standards and data systems structure.

Al Mazroui said: "The nature of the WRDC's work requires access to a great deal of statistical data and information through which we seek to gain insight into economic and social conditions in the western region to draw up development plans and to overcome all obstacles that may hinder the sustainable development process currently under way..."