Following is the full text of the message:

In every country, data and statistics are considered vital components of its economic empowerment and success.

The availability of accurate and relevant data plays an important role in the formulation of a country's fiscal policies and in the measurement of its goals of sustainable development. It also contributes towards achieving and maintaining a high level of economic growth, while facilitating the minimizing of inflation and unemployment.

The availability of reliable statistics and data also contributes towards achieving an optimum level of performance in the public services and social welfare measures that can be sustained in the pursuit of established development goals.

"Better Data, Better Lives" the theme developed by the United Nations for the World Statistics Day 2015 endorses the importance of accurate and relevant data in today's world.

Accordingly, the process of gathering information, compilation and analysis of data and the formulation of official statistics shared with the public are recognized as tasks of strategic importance to the country and its people. This process bears national significance and is implemented in a manner that is both precise and reliable, affirming the confidence placed in it.

The contribution made by the Department of Census and Statistics towards this vital national effort is commendable indeed - it is my hope that the activities planned by them towards celebrating the World Statistics Day highlight the importance of data and statistics in today's world.