Article 26 of Law No. 9694 establishes the National Statistical Advisory Council (CONACE) as an advisory body for users of statistical information. The Council comprises representatives from public sector institutions, business organizations, and social, economic, and academic entities. 

Composition of CONACE 

Pursuant to Article 27 of Law No. 9694, the Council shall be composed of the following representatives: 

a) The Ministry of National Planning and Economic Policy (MIDEPLAN), represented by its Minister, who shall serve as Chair. 

b) The National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC), represented by its General Manager, who shall serve as Secretary. 

c) One representative, holding a vice-ministerial position, from each governmental sector established by the Government of the Republic. These representatives shall be appointed by the lead minister of each sector; if no such minister exists, the appointment shall be made by the Council of Government.

Functions 

In accordance with Article 29 of Law No. 9694, CONACE shall have the following functions: 

a) Act as an advisor and collaborator to INEC in fulfilling the purposes entrusted by this law. 

b) Prepare proposals and recommendations regarding national needs in statistical matters and the adaptation and improvement of existing resources. 

c) Issue opinions on the draft National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (ENDE) and the National Statistical Plan (PEN), as well as on the annual plans and programs to be implemented in their execution. 

d) Issue opinions on other statistical plans and projects submitted by INEC. 

e) Advise producers of statistics within the National Statistical System (SEN) on improving statistical services. 

f) Recommend to the INEC Board of Directors (CDINEC) measures to improve the publication of statistical reports and the methods for dissemination and delivery of statistical information by SEN entities. 

CONACE shall meet at least twice a year.

d) One representative appointed by the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR). 

e) Two representatives from the National Council of University Presidents (CONARE), holding the rank of full professor or serving as director of an academic unit or research center, appointed by said Council. 

f) Two representatives from business chambers, appointed by the Costa Rican Union of Chambers and Associations of Private Enterprises (UCCAEP), who must hold a position on its Board of Directors or on the board of the respective business chamber to which they belong. 

g) Two representatives from workers’ trade union organizations registered with the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS), with the largest membership, who must hold a position on their respective boards of directors, appointed by the corresponding boards. 

h) Two municipal mayors, one appointed by the Union of Local Governments and the other by the National Association of Mayors and Intendants.