The Department of Economic Planning and Statistics (JPES) at the Ministry of Finance and Economy is currently conducting the Economic Census of Enterprises (ECE) 2024 which began on July 1. The JPES is seeking cooperation from all companies and businesses to complete and submit the ECE 2024 form before the census period concludes on August 31.
ECE 2024 covers all active enterprises in the country and will collect information on the economic activity, company profile, business revenue and expenditure as well as employment details for the reference year 2023.
According to a JPES statement, the objective of the ECE 2024 is to gather comprehensive data on the current state of business activities. The data is vital for understanding the scope of economic activities within the Sultanate and establishing a benchmark for assessing the structure, performance, and contributions of the businesses to the economy. Notably, the census will include a new section focused on gathering data on the digital economy. Reliable and up-to-date economic data is crucial for devising effective policies, developing targeted economic programmes, research and compiling national economic accounts. Apart from that, the results can be utilised by the private sector for planning and developing their business activities and strategies.
Companies and businesses are requested to contact JPES if they have not received the ECE 2024 questionnaire during working hours or the questionnaire can be downloaded from JPES’ website at https://deps.mofe.gov.bn before the closing date on August 31. The ECE 2024 is conducted under Chapter 81 of the Statistics Act. The JPES assures all businesses involved that the information collected will be kept strictly confidential and will be used for statistical purposes only.
Pursuant to Section 9 of Statistics Act, failure or reluctance to give information or furnishing false particulars is an offence which carries a penalty of a fine of BND4,000.
