DCS explains reason for delaying 2Q GDP data

The Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) in a statement has explained the reasons for delaying the release of second quarter GDP Data.

It said the second quarter of 2020 (1 April to 30 June) is the quarter in which the country was completely or partially locked down for nearly two months due to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“While it is obvious that many economic activities were crippled during that time, there have been instances where some other economic activities have taken place in a different way than usual. Some economic activities were also encouraged by COVID-19,” the statement added.

In this context, DCS said it was imperative to discuss with international consultants the methods of estimating the output value of certain industry and services activities. 

“It was also decided to collect data on some of the above economic activities from other sources,” DCS said, adding it has decided to publish the estimates along with the GDP estimates for the third quarter of 2020 on 15 December, as it will take a considerable amount of time for that work, and to ensure the accuracy of the estimates that will be published.