2026 Economic Census officially kicks off

Investigators and supervisors participating in the census

The economic census is 1 of 3 national statistical censuses mandated by the Statistics Law and conducted every 5 years. The 2026 Economic Census, the seventh of its kind, is a large-scale exercise with broad coverage and diverse subjects, including enterprises, cooperatives, public service units, household businesses, cooperative groups, religious establishments, and other economic organizations nationwide.

The census results are of particular importance, providing a comprehensive picture of the economy’s current conditions and structure, supporting the compilation of macroeconomic indicators, and serving as a key basis for formulating socio-economic development policies in the coming period. Notably, as the country rolls out a two-tier local government model, the 2026 Economic Census will provide foundational, comprehensive and reliable data to directly support governance, management, and socio-economic development planning at the commune level, meeting state management requirements in the new phase.

Mr. Hoang Van Sy, Deputy Head of the Standing Board of the Economic Census Steering Committee and Head of the City’s Statistics Office, urged steering committees at all levels and local authorities to strengthen coordination and provide favorable conditions in terms of time, manpower and working arrangements to ensure the survey force completes its tasks as scheduled. He also called for stepped-up communications to raise awareness of the census’s purpose, significance, and importance.

Specialized units of the City’s Statistics Office and grassroots statistics agencies are required to fully play their core role in providing technical guidance, monitoring progress, stepping up inspections and supervision, and promptly identifying and addressing emerging issues to ensure data quality in line with the census plan; while team leaders and investigators are urged to uphold a strong sense of responsibility to survey in strict compliance with procedures and target groups. Furthermore, they are also required to effectively use electronic devices for data collection, and focus on the quality of each questionnaire to ensure the information gathered accurately and comprehensively reflects the operations of economic entities.