Local governments will no longer publish their own gross domestic product (GDP) figures from next year.

The National Bureau of Statistics is taking the measure to improve estimation of national GDP, Commissioner Li Deshui said at the annual National Statistics Conference in Beijing on Monday.

China's GDP estimation always attracts attention at home and abroad, but some economists have cast doubt over the accuracy of the figures because local economic growth rates have a major bearing on officials' career prospects.

"The central government will establish a joint examination system for local GDP estimation," Li said.

This means local GDP figures will be examined by a joint team of experts or officials at higher levels before they are published by the National Bureau of Statistics.

Figures for this year will continue to be published by local governments, but only after being examined by the joint team.

The bureau has already set up a coordination group for GDP estimation and a consulting group for estimation of national figures, Li said.

Rapid and extensive economic and social change requires reform and improvement to the content, methodology, management systems and legal framework of statistics, he explained.

Deputy Commissioner Qiu Xiaohua said earlier this year that the bureau will improve its international links to provide quality and up to date statistics for the government and public.

(China Daily December 22, 2004)