National economic survey launches in 4 regions

…findings to shape Govt policy on jobs, wages, infrastructure

The Bureau of Statistics will begin conducting the National Economic Survey on November 10 across Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). The survey aims to collect comprehensive data from businesses across various industries to support the analysis and improvement of Guyana’s economic performance.
On Friday, the bureau said that businesses in selected sectors and geographic areas have been randomly chosen to participate. The exercise forms part of the Bureau’s legal mandate under the Statistics Act, Chapter 19:09, to collect economic data. The Bureau is urging the cooperation of business owners, noting that participation is a legal requirement for those selected.
The survey will focus on key aspects of business operations, including performance, outputs, and intermediate costs. Trained enumerators from the Bureau will visit selected businesses during regular working hours with an official agency badge, a tablet computer, and an introduction letter confirming their authorisation to conduct the survey.
Businesses can participate either through a tablet-based interview conducted by the enumerator or through self-enumeration using a secure web link or QR code provided by the Bureau.
According to the Bureau, the data collected will be used to analyse growth patterns across sectors such as retail trade, construction, manufacturing, transport, finance, hospitality, health, and education. The findings will contribute to improving the calculation of Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provide insights into the broader economic landscape.
The Bureau emphasised that accurate and timely data helps businesses identify market opportunities, assess performance, and align with national trends. It also enables investors and entrepreneurs to make informed decisions on expansion, diversification, and innovation.
For the wider public, the information gathered will guide Government policy on issues such as employment, wages, infrastructure development, and public services.
The Bureau reminded participants that all information collected is confidential and protected under the Statistics Act. Strict penalties exist for any breach of confidentiality, and no individual business data will be shared with other agencies or used for taxation purposes. All published data will be presented in aggregated form at regional and industry levels.
The Bureau of Statistics serves as the central agency responsible for collecting, compiling, analysing, and publishing socio-economic and other statistical data from Government ministries, agencies, private entities, and the public through surveys.