The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) signed today a memorandum of understanding with the National Bureau of Statistic (NBS) to enhance cooperation in the area of data collection, management and analysis with aims to establish a national data base.

The MoU was signed at the TRA headquarter in Abu Dhabi by H.E. Mohamed Nasser Al Ghanim, TRA Director General and his counterpart H.E. Rashed Khamis Al Suwaidi, Director General of the National Bureau of Statistics.

The MoU sets the outline of joint cooperation to establish an advanced national database linked to that of the National Bureau of Statistics. The new database will follow methodologies, definitions, classifications and technical standards adopted by NBS.

TRA will work closely with NBS on researches and statistical surveys within the framework of the MoU to develop the methodology used during the process of information collection and exchange. Both sides will cooperate in the field of statistical training and the exchange of information and expertise needed to create databases.

H.E. Mohamed Al Ghanim commented on the MoU by saying: “The importance of information is rapidly increasing and the availability of easy –access to information is considered vital. Therefore the TRA aims to set up a national database that can provide accurate and timely information to serve the process of drawing policies and decision-making.”

For his part, H.E. Rashid Al Suwaidi, NBS Director General said: “The National Bureau of Statistics is the only official statistical reference in the UAE authorized to establish national databases in various fields. We hope that the MoU with TRA will mark the beginning of fruitful cooperation that will develop the process of conducting data and statistical surveys for the interest of our country.”

To ensure the implementation of the MoU as per the aspirations of the two parties, a joint committee will be formed to set up necessary mechanisms to carry out the provisions of the MoU and guarantee the efficiency of the communications. The joint committee will meet alternately in the headquarters of both TRA and NBS.

The five-year memorandum of understanding will be effective as of December 1st 2010 and is open for renewal for a similar period at the consent of both parties.