The Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusaan, has highlighted the importance of transparency in government statistics to create more effective policies. He delivered these remarks during the National Statistics Day event hosted by the Maldives Customs Service on October 20.
Minister Ihusaan pointed out that nearly 50% of the Maldives’ imports are duty-free, resulting in significant revenue loss for the state. He called for a review of these figures to enhance revenue generation, stressing the need for greater openness and public access to statistical data to improve decision-making. He also addressed the past tendency to withhold critical statistics from the public, advocating for a more transparent approach moving forward.
Despite the Minister’s emphasis on the value of transparency, the current government has not been consistently forthcoming with key statistical reports. For example, the Ministry of Finance has not published its Weekly Fiscal Development report since June this year, leaving the public and policymakers without crucial fiscal information. Additionally, the Maldives Customs Service has not updated its monthly import and export statistics on its website since July, raising concerns about the availability of important trade data.
Commissioner General of Customs, Fathimath Dhiyana, also spoke at the event, acknowledging the importance of accurate and timely statistics. She pledged that the Customs Service would prioritise the release of essential data, ensuring that businesses and policymakers can make informed decisions that contribute to national development and economic growth.
National Statistics Day, observed annually on October 20, underscores the vital role statistics play in governance and economic planning. Transparent, up-to-date data allows governments, businesses, and the public to make informed decisions that impact development, revenue collection, and societal well-being. When essential statistics are delayed or withheld, it hampers effective policymaking and undermines trust in public institutions.
In light of these challenges, Minister Ihusaan’s call for greater transparency in statistical reporting is a critical step toward improving governance and ensuring that the Maldives can navigate its economic challenges with informed, data-driven policies.
