Palestinian Minister of Finance and Planning Shukri Bishara, and Hilde Haraldstad, Representative of the Office of Norway to the Palestinian Authority, Signed an agreement with a total budget of $ 2.71 million to support the Palestinian statistical program of the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) for the period of 2018-2020.
“The signing of this agreement, which will be allocated to funding of core statistical projects of the PCBS program, affirms the important and strategic role played by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics in building the Palestinian state,” said a statement issued by PCBS.
Bishara expressed his appreciation to the Norwegian Government, for their continuous support to Palestine in many fields and sectors at all levels, and stressed on the importance of PCBS ‘ role as an official provider of data which is a key source of strategic planning at the political, cultural, social and economic levels which is vital to state building.
Ola Awad, the President of PCBS confirmed that the government of Norway has been a major supporter of the Central Bureau of Statistics from the early start. “ This support has had a significant impact on the development of Palestinian statistical work at all levels and enabled PCBS to benefit from the best international technical assistance available to improve its operations.”
Awad added that PCBS is very proud of the distinguished relationship and strategic partnership with the Norwegian Government.
Meanwhile, Bishara stressed on the importance of continuing and strengthening this strategic partnership to achieve further progress in serving the Palestinian people.
Hilde Haraldstad, mentioned that the Norwegian government is pleased to continue its support to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) in order to continue implementing its various statistical activities and programs which are vital to the strategic planning and policy making process.
Haraldstad expressed appreciation to PCBS for its professionalism throughout the years.
It’s worth mentioning that the Norwegian Government have been supporting the PCBS since its establishment and has been supporting the core statistical program by contributing to the Core Funding Group since 2003 until the end of 2017. The Norwegian Government has been a major supporter to the Population, Housing and Establishment Census 2017.
At the end of the ceremony, Awad presented an honorary plaque to the Representative of the Office of Norway to the Palestinian Authority in recognition for their great and continuous support.
(wafa)
