The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has announced that the next Economic Census will begin in April 2025.

Plans have been revealed to enhance data collection by incorporating district-level estimates in all surveys starting in January. This initiative aims to provide a more detailed understanding of economic activities across the country.

To improve the assessment of economic activity, the Ministry is considering the use of remotely-sensed nightlight data. By analyzing satellite imagery, officials hope to gain insights into the scale of economic operations, which will serve as an additional indicator for projecting industrial activity.

The Economic Census is crucial for gathering detailed information on the operational and structural characteristics of establishments nationwide, including their geographical distribution, ownership patterns, and workforce engagement.

The development of a National Metadata Structure is being emphasized to standardize data across various platforms, facilitating comparability and enhancing the overall quality of economic statistics.

This comprehensive approach is expected to strengthen the government's ability to effectively monitor and analyze economic trends.