The main goal of this workshop is to support data compliers in the SEE region in their efforts to improve the compilation and dissemination of high-quality statistics on international trade in goods and services, it aims at providing thorough understanding of the conceptual framework, as well as practical advice on the compilation methods and data sources of the international trade in goods and services statistics.

How will you benefit?

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is a leader in promoting methodologically sound and internationally comparable statistics. During this workshop, we will focus on the sixth edition of the Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual (BPM6), the 2014 BPM6 Compilation Guide, and the Manual on Statistics of International Trade in Services 2010 Compilers Guide (MSITS 2010 CG).

Recognizing the challenges in the compilation of certain services categories, such as manufacturing and merchanting, insurance, financial services, and construction, the course will emphasize specific aspects related to their treatment and recording in the balance of payments. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss problems encountered in their compilation work and gain insights into the analytical uses of international trade in goods and services statistics.

The course will include a series of hands-on case studies and plenary sessions on country practices covering concepts, sources, and compilation methods associated with international trade in goods and services statistics.

We will also address the reasons for some mismatches between categories in the balance of payments and categories in national accounts (e.g. export/import data and deflators).

What will you learn?

Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Enhance their knowledge on the compilation of the international trade in goods and services accounts related to balance of payments, according to the techniques provided in the 2014 BPM6 Compilation Guide and the MSITS 2010 CG.
• Discuss appropriate statistical techniques to deal with complex methodological and compilation issues.
• Identify potential new data sources to be used to improve the compilation of the international trade in goods and services statistics.
• Recognize specific aspects in compilation of different categories of trade statistics
• Extract lessons from the experience of other compilers (through peer learning opportunities)

This learning initiative will be organized in a highly participatory and interactive manner. Thus, the participants will be actively engaged in discussions through Q&A sessions and team work on case studies and exercises. Moreover, they will be strongly encouraged to exchange their national experiences, good practices and challenges.

Who should attend?

The course is intended for officials from the central banks and statistical offices who would benefit from gaining new insights on the concepts, principles, sources, and methods used to compile balance of payments and international trade statistics. Participants should be familiar with the methodology of the BPM6 and related trade statistics guidance. Thus, officials from the CEF constituency countries and beyond are welcomed and strongly encouraged to apply.

Practical information

Applications need to be submitted no later than February 2 via the online application form. Candidates will first be approved by the CEF; confirmations will be sent to selected candidates by February 7.

No fee will be charged for officials in the public sector. Meals and refreshments during the event will be provided to all selected participants by the CEF. The applicants need to obtain funding from their sending institution or other donor(s) to cover visa, travel, accommodation, and meals costs.

The workshop be delivered in English and no translation will be provided.

Lead experts

Ms Rita Mesias, Senior Economist, Balance of Payments Division, Statistics Department, IMF

Mr. Kennneth Egesa, Senior Economist, Balance of Payments Division, Statistics Department, IMF

Partners

This learning initiative is supported by the IMF and the Bank of Slovenia. It is delivered in cooperation with the IMF.