Asia-Pacific Economic Statistics Week (APES) Seminar

7-9 May 2018, Bangkok, Thailand

Report of the Seminar

I. Introduction

1. The three-day seminar component of the Asia-Pacific Economic Statistics Week

(APES) was designed within the Regional Programme on Economic Statistics1 (the

Programme) and held in Bangkok on 7-9 May 2018 under the theme “Closing the

gaps in economic statistics for sustainable development”. The seminar was held to

provide a forum for sharing knowledge on on-going practical research by national

statistical systems to support the goal of the Regional Programme on Economic

Statistics (RPES)- to improve the quality of economic statistics produced in the

region by 2020. Papers at the seminar focused on approaches to closing gaps in

economic statistics for sustainable development 2.

2. The meeting was attended by experts from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China,

Hong Kong-China, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Republic of Korea

Lao PDR, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Philippines,

Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Turkey. The meeting was also

attended by experts from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the United

Kingdom Department for International Development (DfID), International Labour

Organisation (ILO), International Monetary Fund (IMF), Food and Agriculture

Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Pacific Community (SPC) and the

United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD). Other independent experts also

attended the seminar. Annex III contains a full list of participants.

II. Organization of the meeting

3. ESCAP (the Secretariat) organized the seminar through the APES Taskforce (the

Taskforce) of the Steering Group for the Regional Programme on Economic

Statistics. The Taskforce is currently composed of the following members:

Malaysia, India, Indonesia, New Zealand, Turkey, UNSD and ESCAP. The seminar

comprised five main sessions3 and featured two side events on the results of the

second capacity screening that monitors the Programme and one on the Economic

and Social Survey for Asia and the Pacific.

4. Seminar papers are accessible at http://communities.unescap.org/asia-pacific-

economic-statistics/apes-2018-featured-papers

1 A snapshot of the Regional Programme is available at

http://communities.unescap.org/system/files/rpes_brochure_2016.pdf 2 Papers for APES2018 are available at http://communities.unescap.org/asia-pacific-economic-statistics/apes-

2018-featured-papers 3 Annex II contains the programme of the seminar.

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III. Issues arising from the discussions

5. This section outlines issues arising from seminar papers and discussions that are

critical for addressing existing data gaps in economic statistics and are, therefore

of relevance to the RPES goals.

Session 1: Big Data

6. The session focused on information technology practices related to the use of big

data for measuring socioeconomic phenomena, with a focus on indicators relevant

to the SDGs. The session underscored the possibilities of applying advanced

computer analytics to enable smooth processing of huge volumes of data and make

them available in a timely manner. Practical demonstration of how big data is used

to produce official statistics was presented.

7. A demonstration of specific official statistics and their applications such as

mobility statistics, land use classification and domestic tourism were made by

Orbital Insight and Positum, a private company working with some NSOs.

Indonesia presented a methodology of measuring cross-border tourism using

mobile phone technology. These examples help clear the myth about big data as

not suited to official statistics, and officered insights into how national statistical

systems can potentially adopt big-data related innovations to improve data quality

through timeliness, relevance and accuracy.

8. Presentations by Indonesia showcased various big data approaches to estimate and

validate existing official statistics. These included web scrapping of consumer

prices from online retail outlets and developing price indices comparable with

existing traditional approaches of estimating national inflation. Further insights

were presented on applications of google trends to estimate demand for tourism

accommodation to complement existing surveys. Presentations demonstrated how

big data is not just a technology for private industry, but has practical applications

in the production of economic statistics that national statistical offices traditionally

produce.

9. Issues and considerations for integrating big data into the official statistics

production process were given close attention in the discussion due its ability to

improve timeliness of statistical indicators. These are discussed in detail below.

Steps in integrating big data in the official statistics production process

10. The session discussed steps that national statistical systems should consider before

adoption of big data technologies in their operations. These steps include:

i. Development of partnerships with private data users and big data

experts. Such partnerships should be seriously explored by national

statistical systems to unlock opportunities for data to be efficiently

produced and timely to support policy making. These partnerships have

the potential to evolve into working arrangements that can propel

national statistical systems to adopt new technologies through models

such as public-private sector collaboration.

ii. The discussion on big data should not just focus on the technological

aspects to handle huge data volumes but need to address the legal

aspects that deal with data ownership issues from various sources. For

example, the statistical legislation should move in line with changes in

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technology of data collection and dissemination with respect to various

privacy laws.

Session 2: Modern technologies for production of economic statistics

11. The objective of the session was to demonstrate how national statistical systems

can close existing gaps in their economic statistics through application of modern

technologies in the statistics production process. Presenters and discussants shared

knowledge on different digital tools and emerging methodologies that can address

data gaps and changing needs of national statistical systems to produce economic

statistics required by a broad spectrum of data users. Papers highlighted the

potential of using alternative technologies given complexities in accessing

administrative data. Specific issues discussed in this session include:

i. Use of technologies such as Google places to produce time series

data between market places and e-retail sites;

ii. Application of web scrapping techniques such as key word search to

classify statistical units for purposes of improving the quality of a

statistical business register in Indonesia. Indonesia demonstrated that

they can easily profile non-profit institutions serving households

(NPHISHs) by location using this technology using key words that

are associated with such units;

iii. The possibility of using Google places as an “embryo” database for

development of statistical business registers that can be

complemented by other surveys to improve coverage of statistical

units in a country;

iv. Approaches on how web scrapping technologies can be applied to

classify statistical units through online “key word search” and

identification of statistical units to enhance coverage of statistical

business registers;

v. Use of android devices with specific software to enhance the

estimation of rice production in Indonesia in area samples to reduce

over-estimation prevalent in crop cutting surveys.

Session 3: Administrative data

12. The session demonstrated how statistics producing agencies utilise

administrative data to generate indicators and address missing data from

conventional collection methods. It highlighted opportunities, requirements and

limitations in utilisation of administrative data to produce economic statistics

including SDG indicators. Presenters discussed some of the benefits associated

with utilisation of administrative data with respect to filling data gaps, cost

efficiency, minimising respondent burden through increased use of technology.

Select countries shared their experiences on the possibilities and limits of

intelligent integration of administrative data and statistical collections such as

identification of issues and gaps in administrative data and data quality assurance

to close data gaps in economic statistics.

13. Specific aspects on the use of administrative data to compile official statistics

included:

i. New Zealand demonstration of how bank data/electronic data can be

used to compile a tourism satellite account and be able to track

domestic tourism based on point of sale purchases. Issues arising

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from their paper was financial viability of the exercise and data

confidentiality. Through partnerships with private companies and

NGOs, New Zealand has been able to minimize the costs of the

exercise and manage the limits often set by statistical legislation

regarding data confidentiality.

ii. The Philippines illustrated how the digitisation of customs records, by

the administrative data provider, substantially reduced costs for

Philippines Statistics Authority. This was achieved through improved

quality of the data set and the reduction in clerical work thereby

minimising human errors. This enabled them to produce more timely

and additional statistical products at lower cost. This is an example of

an opportunity that NSS can explore to improve data quality through

modernisation of statistical business processes including use of

administrative data.

iii. A paper by Indonesia illustrated how data quality of exports and

imports can be improved through use of undocumented trade

estimation methods. Such methods include administrative records

from different national and international agencies with interest in

specific products as well as through use of reports from the media on

specific products.

Summary issues from sessions 1-3 for consideration by national statistical

systems

14. This section summaries main issues that various papers presented in the first

sessions of the seminar that national statistical systems need to consider as they

seek to close gaps in their economic statistics. The issues are as follows:

15. The sessions on big data, modern technologies for producing economic statistics

and use of administrative data raised several issues for consideration by national

statistical systems in the quest to close gaps in economic statistics such as:

i. The notion that Big Data cannot produce core official statistics.

Presentations demonstrated that Big Data can potentially generate

official statistics- and can improve data quality by extending coverage

and timeliness;

ii. Consideration of NSS to innovate their business processes and look at

opportunities Big Data brings in improving timeliness of data and cost

efficiency. One specific approach is to promote creation of innovation

units in NSS to explore, pilot and introduce emerging technologies;

iii. Exploration of partnerships with private data producers/Big Data

companies to unlock opportunities for collaborative statistical

production processes that reduce costs yet conform to the fundamental

principles for official statistics;

iv. Issues of data security, ownership and confidentiality when exploring

the use of big data, new technologies and new partnerships. NSSs need

to address such concerns in their legislation and take steps to address

them;

v. Engaging users that need rapid estimates. It is not just essential but

necessary as it can deepen understanding of needs of users whose needs

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may be well addressed by Big data as opposed to conventional sources

or methods;

vi. Statistical methodological studies are critical in unlocking gaps in data

and prescribing appropriate technology and tools to address them. NSS

should undertake such methodological studies

Session 4: System of National Accounts (SNA) and related economic statistics

16. The session discussed compilation issues for national accounts and how the

2008 System of National Accounts (2008 SNA) can close data gaps with respect

to SDG monitoring. Practical matters relating to measuring cross-border trade,

the digital economy, informal economy, Islamic Finance, the SNA and SDGs

were presented. Other presentations focused on Islamic banking and 2008 SNA,

estimation of proxy indicators in national accounts, social accounting matrices

and selected institutional accounts. An update on global progress regarding

implementation of the 2008 SNA was also given. Practical challenges that

countries face in implementing the 2008 SNA and other emerging issues such as

modernisation of world trade systems and their implications for national

accounts measurement were discussed in this session.

Progress in implementing the 2008 SNA

17. The 2008 SNA has been in place for ten years. Implementation has made some

progress while faced with some challenges.

18. An analysis of 2008 SNA compliance by the UNSD over the past 10 years shows

noticeable progress in terms of reporting of national accounts data. Specifically,

the results show:

i. 134 Member States (around 70 per cent) were using the 1993 or 2008

SNA to compile their national accounts in 2009. This figure increased

to 180 Member States (around 93 per cent) in 2017, of which 79

percent were using the 2008 SNA;

ii. 38 Member States in the Asia Pacific region (around 70 per cent) were

using the 1993 or 2008 SNA to compile their national accounts in

2009. This number rose to 46 (around 94 per cent) in 2017;

iii. 20 Member States in the Asia Pacific regions (around 41 per cent)

were using the 2008 SNA at the end of 2017;

19. An assessment of the scope of national accounts data using the minimum required

data set4 shows that the number of member states reporting data in accordance

with the data set increased from 79 (around 41 per cent) in 2009 to 102 (around 53

per cent) in 2017. The number in the Asia Pacific region rose from 15 (around 31

per cent) to 20 (around 41 per cent) during the same period. This suggests that

initiatives may need to be carried out to ensure that more member states in the

Asia Pacific region are able to compile the tables for the minimum required data

set.

Methodological issues in National Accounts

4 More information on the minimum required dataset is available on https://unstats.un.org/unsd/statcom/42nd-

session/documents/doc11/2011-6-NationalAccounts-E.pdf and

https://unstats.un.org/unsd/nationalaccount/madt.asp?SB=1&#SBG.

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20. Several presentations were made that tackled methodological and estimation issues

for various aspects of national accounts. These issues included:

i. Measurement of the creative economy

ii. Estimation issues of the digital economy

iii. Informal economy

iv. SNA and SDGs

v. Islamic finance in national accounts

vi. BOP and SNA reconciliation

21. Papers by Indonesia and New Zealand highlighted estimation and measuring

challenges of emerging issues such as the creative and digital economy as

countries experience changes in technology. Discussions focused on lack of

common standards and definitions to address measurement which in turn impacts

comparability. While measuring creativity is complex, the seminar was informed

of a manual on “Culture” currently under development, and its completion will

give more insights on how some aspects of creativity can be integrated in national

accounts systematically.

22. Satellite accounts were identified as a best alternative to addressing estimation

challenges for some industries in the absence of harmornised standards. Countries

were encouraged to compile satellite accounts to complement the lack of any

global standards for sectors of special interest. At the global level, three priority

research area have been identified by the Inter Secretariat Working Group on

National Accounts (ISWGNA) and the Advisory Expert Group (AEG): globalization, digitalization and economic well-being and sustainability. Results of

the research work will give further guidance on some of the difficult to measure

topics.

2008 SNA and Sustainable Development Goals

23. A presentation linking the 2008 SNA and SDGs was made by the IMF and gave

insights on measures beyond GDP that can be useful for SDG monitoring. The

discussion, while acknowledging that there are many SDG indicators that use GDP

as a ratio, noted other welfare measures that can be produced from sector accounts

especially household accounts. Comprehensive household sector accounts by

giving net-worth of households, can play a critical role in understanding some of

the underlying well-being linked indicators of SDGs such as poverty measures and

food security.

24. It was noted that measuring and preparing the SDGs indicators requires

comprehensive data collection beyond the 2008 SNA framework. Some of the

requirements are continuous research and extending the usage of the 2008 SNA.

Specifically, this can potentially include the development of a “Super Balance

Sheet” for the Household Sector

25. Recognising that not all SDG indicators are available, the session also discussed

the use of proxy indicators in supporting the monitoring of SDGs. Discussions

focused on lack of common standards at a global level that can guide the

compilation of proxy indicators with a suggestion to develop such guidance. A

presentation by Turkey illustrated some of the proxy indicators in use and

limitations of some of the global. The critical issue requiring consideration

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highlighted after this paper was the lack of specific standards for proxy SDG

indicators.

26. Other aspects of relevance to SDGs focused on employment statistics. Iran

presented the process of compiling labour accounts. With respect to

employment/labour indicators, it was noted that there are various types of surveys

and data is often scanty. This affects the quality of labour statistics. The key

message from the paper is compilation of comprehensive labour accounts

improves quality and accuracy of employment statistics through use of all

potential data sources. This is critical for monitoring SDG indicators related to

employment as well as estimation of volume measures in national accounts.

Key messages from Session 4

27. The fourth session had sixteen presentations from different countries and

international agencies with a focus on national accounts and related measures of

economic statistics including SDGs. Key messages going forward in terms of

addressing compilation challenges and closing gaps in economic statistics were

as follows:

i. The Asia Pacific Region should seriously consider the adoption of 2008

SNA in the production of national accounts data as the region is

lagging in terms of compiling the tables for the minimum required data

set and the availability of quarterly national accounts data.;

ii. SNA has a role in SDGs monitoring beyond the GDP ratio based

indicators. One approach to address SDG needs is to for countries to

compile super balance sheets for households that capture different

aspects of welfare measures that are closely aligned with SDG targets;

iii. There is an increasing demand for data on emerging topics such as

digitalisation, innovation and creativity. As such there is a need for

countries to consider use of satellite accounts an interim approach

while awaiting the development of new standards;

iv. Compilation of comprehensive sector accounts such as labour and

household can generate an array of indicators necessary for SDGs and

can improve overall SNA data quality by reconciling various data

sources such as surveys and administrative records.

Session 5: Communication and use of economic statistics

28. The session focussed on the strengths and weaknesses of communication and

dissemination of economic statistics to facilitate evidence-based policies

considering the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Discussions centred

on inter-institutional/ governance systems and policy, emerging technologies for

disseminating statistical information, approaches to systematically evaluate the

relevance and use of statistical products, or other angles to highlight challenges

and opportunities for more effective use of economic statistics for accurate

interpretation and use by the public and users, particularly policy-makers.

29. A salient issue recognized as a challenge for statisticians is statistics literacy

amongst users of data. Discussants highlighted the importance of not leaving

behind any country in terms of building capacity for effective communication of

statistics so that users become more statistical literate. It was acknowledged that

less priority is given to communicating statistics by national statistical offices,

and efforts must be put in place to improve it. Challenges that face statisticians

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include fragmented information from various sources, data quality, difficulty in

understanding scientific/technical terms by common users, limited number of

government officers to provide technical advice, especially for media, lack of

internet skills to access information from modern devices.

Effective communication of economic Statistics

30. One issue that was highlighted in detail is the use of innovative methods and

efficient methods, like leveraging social media - other than the classical means of

dissemination of statistics, such as statistical yearbooks to communicate statistics.

A paper from Indonesia in this context showcased how comics can be used to

communicate statistics effectively through:

i. Reaching an audience that otherwise would not have been reached;

ii. Explaining complex statistical phenomena, such as seasonal

adjustment that can be misunderstood before release of such data to the

public.

31. Other approaches that are critical in effective communication of statistics is taking

a strategic approach by way of targeted communication to ensure maximum

uptake and usage of statistical data. Thailand for instance, demonstrated how it

developed a communication and advocacy strategy for its rural and agricultural

statistics that deals with the following:

i. Clear defined main target groups for communication such as

executives, researchers, farmers and consumers;

ii. Identification of communication channels for different target groups

such as publications, call center, online services, satellite and digital

television, agricultural learning center, radio broadcast and counter

services.

32. Information and communications technologies in dissemination and

communication of statistics was identified as one of the effective channels in

increasing the uptake of economic statistics by users. For example, Turkey

showcased the new electronic data delivery system (EVDS) of the Central Bank of

the Republic of Turkey. The system produces timely and comprehensive data,

with 8 formula options for every time series, dynamic tables and graphs, with

format and frequency conversion, personal dashboard and dynamic map

representation that can be easily understood by the general public. The system is

also available through a mobile application, which has increased public awareness

and large user base.

33. Adding information to data/metadata in more details, will help users to avoid

misusing data. It is the responsibility of NSOs to deal with issues of misuse of

statistics, when noticed. New Zealand for instance, informs the public and trains

the users of statistics when any misuse is observed. Similarly, the Central Bank of

Turkey organizes regular meetings for journalists to educate them on the correct

interpretation of statistics.

Communication principles for statisticians

34. .

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35. The session identified some misconceptions that should be dealt with in

communicating statistics so that users don’t end up misusing statistics. These are:

i. Statistical significance: We need to educate users on statistical

significance. Users need to understand that error does not mean

statistics are incorrect, but shows the level of certainty, and that the

data should be used with this in mind. Not informing users of errors

makes statistics misleading. Be clear when we communicate our data to

users. Similarly, there is a need to communicate intervals as opposed to

points.

ii. Causation and correlation: NSOs should take responsibility in

correcting those misleading interpretations when noted. For example,

when correlations are turned into causality.

iii. Absolute and relative: data producers should provide information on

absolute and relative values. This can be explained in the

accompanying metadata or through and other modalities such as

comics, charts and maps.

IV. Future seminars

36. As part of the evaluation for the seminar (refer to Annex I for details), participants

were asked to provide their suggestions for topics to be considered in future

seminars. The top six topics based on the evaluations are the following:

- Big Data/Modern technologies

- Artificial intelligence for official statistics

- SBR database and administrative data linkages

- Input-Output analysis (National Accounts)

- Measurement of informal economy (National accounts)

- Illegal activities (National accounts)

37. Participants generally found the seminar very useful to their work. Participants

indicated that they could use the knowledge gained from the seminar through:

i. Updating methodologies based on the handbooks and manuals from the

Inter Secretariat Working Group on National Accounts (ISWGNA) and

the Advisory Expert Group (AEG) on national accounts;

ii. Exploration of the usage of open software and unconventional

methods to improve statistical production processes;

iii. Re-examination of the strategies for the use of administrative data;

iv. Application of social media tools in communicating statistics.

38. Participants were requested to give their suggestions regarding future seminars of

similar nature and made the following observations:

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v. Organisation of parallel sessions or smaller break-out sessions should

be considered to focus on specific issues;

vi. Improve the management of time to ensure all papers are adequately

presented and thoroughly discussed;

vii. Inclusion of more presentations from international partners and

organisations.

- - -

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Annex I. Feedback provided by participants

I. Overall usefulness of the seminar - - - 100% (YES)

II. Content of seminar:

III. Are you able to apply knowledge gained from the sessions below?

Yes No If yes, how could you apply the knowledge in your daily

work?

Session 1:

Big Data 97% 0%

Blank/Non-response (3%)

Very useful in exploring the potential use of big data in

accordance with our needs.

Session 2:

Modern

technologies for

production of

economic statistics

92% 1.6%

Blank/Non-response (6.4%)

• Will try to replicate some of the methods presented in our

work. Example, our directory of construction establishment is

obsolete, will try to use the methods that’s been done with

Non-Profit Institutions Serving Households (NPISHs)

• Will explore the usage of open software exploring

unconventional methods to improve statistical production

processes.

Session 3:

Administrative data 89% 3.2%

Blank/Not applicable (7.7%)

• Gained insights on how to use administrative data efficiently.

• Will re-examine the strategy of our office regarding the use of

administrative data.

• Will explore the use of data from the private sector also.

Session 4:

Systems on

National Accounts

94% 1.6%

Blank/Non-response (4.4%)

• Very useful lessons in completing the calculations of national

accounts.

• Will update methodologies based on the handbooks and

manuals from the Inter Secretariat Working Group on

National Accounts (ISWGNA) and the Advisory Expert

Group (AEG) on national accounts.

• Concepts relevant will be implemented but needs to

communicate with the head of the office.

Session 5:

Communication

and use of

economic statistics

95% 0%

Blank/Non-response 3 (5%)

• Gained better understanding in communicating statistics.

• The session offered useful insights on the use of social media

and other means to promote and communicate statistics.

Side Event:

Results of the

Capacity Screening

Exercise

81% 6.3%

Blank/Non-response (12.7%)

• The results showed the position of the office in comparison to

others.

• The results will enable us to review capacity gaps and to keep

in mind the items that office needed to keep in pace with the

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regional progress.

Side Event:

Ocean accounts 76% 6.5%

Blank/Non-response 17.5%

Interesting topic. Will explore as this will enrich and complete

our environmental accounts.

Look forward to extending our SEEA into new insights of ocean

statistics.

5. Do you have any additional comments or suggestions for improvement?

• The seminar was very useful for all the participants, they learned useful knowledge from several

papers and the other experts’ presentations, comments/suggestions. This seminar is a platform

for practitioners and other experts to share their knowledge and exchange ideas and experiences

with producing and disseminating quality economic statistics.

• Time management is important. Some presentations took longer time than others resulting of

having not enough time for discussions.

• Parallel sessions should be organised or smaller break-out sessions should be considered to focus

on particular issues .

• International organisations’ participations and presentations are appreciated and would want to

see more in the future.

• Certificate of attendance should be provided to the presenters.

• Topics for the next APES that were suggested:

1. Big Data/Modern technologies

2. Artificial intelligence for official statistics

3. SBR database and administrative data linkages

4. Input-Output analysis

5. Measurement of informal economy

6. Illegal activities

7. Digital economy

8. Sharing economy

9. e-Commerce

10. Trade statistics/Foreign Trade Statistics

11. Challenges in fulfilling the core set of economic statistics of RPES

12. Communication of statistics

13. Techniques for raising awareness of the use of economic statistics

14. Labour statistics

15. The links between financial accounts and non-financial accounts (transaction levels)

16. Islamic banking

17. Quarterly national accounts

18. Price statistics

19. Environment statistics/ SEEA

20. Agricultural and rural statistics data collection methodology

21. Global value chain (use and impact)

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Annex II. Programme

Monday, 7 May 2018

08.00 – 09.00 Registration

09.00 – 09.30 Opening and introductions

▪ Ms Rikke M Hansen

Officer – in – Charge a.i., ESCAP Statistics Division

▪ Mr Mohd Yazid Kasim

Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM)

SGRPES Co-chair and APES 2017 Task Force Lead

09.30 – 12.00 Session 1: Big data

The objective of the session is to discuss information technology practices relating to the

use of big data for measuring socioeconomic phenomena, with a focus on the types of

indicators relevant to the SDGs. Some of the practices to be presented in this session

include “Orbital Insight” and “Positium” amongst others. The session uses a

combination of keynote presentations, country practices, a panel discussion on prevailing

technologies and associated recommendations and offer recommendations on how to fill

gaps in economics statistics for sustainable development.

Presentation:

▪ Big data: Understanding the global state of the art

Papers to be presented and discussed:

▪ Online price data for CPI measurement

Chindy Saktias Pratiwi and Irien Kamaratih Arsiani

▪ Predicting tourism demand in Indonesia using google trends data

Atika Nashirah Hasyyati, Rina Indriani and Titi Kanti Lestari

▪ Mixing big data with small data for the best results: The case of using mobile

positioning data about roaming activities and combining with cross-border survey

Titi Kanti Lestari et al.

▪ Using big data for accommodation statistics: A new challenge in producing tourism

statistics

Amanda Pratama Putra and Heny Wulandari

10:30 – 11:00 Coffee/tea break

12:00 - 13:30 Lunch

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13:30 – 14.45 Session 2: Modern technologies for production of economic statistics

The objective of the session is to demonstrate how national statistical systems of the

region can close existing gaps in their economic statistics through application of modern

technologies in the statistics production process.

Presenters and discussants will share knowledge on different digital tools and emerging

methodologies that can address data gaps and changing needs of national statistical

systems to produce economic statistics required by a broad spectrum of data users.

Papers to be presented and discussed:

▪ ICT Revolution: Development of ICT through satellite account in Malaysia

Fadzilah Aini Binti Mustaffa and Yusrina Binti Mohd Yusoff

▪ Snapshot crawling to produce and disseminate time series data of e-commerce: A

case study in market place and e-retail site in Indonesia

Viktor Suwiyanto and Gusnisa Siswayu

▪ Improved area classification, a fundamental step to support inclusive economic

statistics

Shafa Rosea Surbakti, Irien Kamaratih Arsiani and Tri Listianingrum

▪ Utilizing Google Places API in enhancement of non-profit institutions serving

households directory

Abd. Hadi Asfarangga and Fitri Andri Astuti

▪ Area Sampling Frame: A new approach to reform agricultural data collection

Muhlis

14:45 – 15:15 Coffee/tea break

15:15 – 17:00 Session 3: Administrative data

The objective of the session is to demonstrate how statistical producing agencies utilise

administrative data to generate indicators and address missing data from conventional

collection methods. It highlights opportunities, requirements and limitations in utilisation

of administrative data to produce economic statistics including SDG indicators.

The session also highlights some of the benefits associated with utilisation of

administrative data with respect to filling data gaps, cost efficiency, minimising

respondent burden through increased use of technology. Select countries share their

experiences on the possibilities and limits of intelligent integration of administrative

statistics such as identification of issues and gaps in administrative data and data quality

assurance to close data gaps in economic statistics.

Papers to be presented and discussed:

▪ Expanding the use of administrative data in New Zealand’s tourism satellite account

Bernie Hanratty

▪ Estimating undocumented transactions of export and import of goods in Indonesia

Wisnu Winardi, Fatma Yuliana, and Abd. Hadi Asfarangga

▪ International merchandise trade statistics: Administrative-based source

Ma. Julieta P. Soliven

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Tuesday, 8 May 2018

09:00 – 09:10 Recap of Day 1

09:10 – 12.00 Session 4: System of National Accounts (SNA) and related economic statistics

The objective of the session is to discuss compilation issues and how the SNA can close

data gaps with respect to SDG monitoring. Practical matters relating to measuring cross-

border trade, the digital economy, informal economy, Islamic Finance, the SNA and

SDGs, Islamic banking and 2008 SNA, estimation of proxy indicators in national

accounts, social accounting matrices and selected institutional accounts will form a major

part of the discussion. The session is also expected to give highlights of progress made in

implementing the 2008 SNA since its adoption.

Practical challenges that countries face in implementing the 2008 SNA and other

emerging issues such as modernisation of world trade systems and their implications for

national accounts measurement are expected to be addressed in this session.

Presentations:

Papers to be presented and discussed:

▪ Measuring creative economy in Indonesia: Issues `and challenges in data collection

Eni Lestariningsih, Karmila Maharani and Titi Kanti Lestari

▪ Valuing New Zealand’s digital economy

Hamish Grant

▪ Issues on Measuring Informal Sector Economic Activities in Nepal

Avadhesh Kumar Shukla

▪ Strengthening data sources for national account estimates in Nepal

Gangaram Bhattarai

▪ Institutional sector accounts of Turkey

Derya BAŞ SONBUL

▪ Concentrated index and hierarchical cluster method for census block stratification in

business surveys.

Husnul Chotimah, Silvia Arini and Irdiena Izza Ell Milla

▪ Social accounting matrix: The compilation and construction of Malaysia framework

Kon Mee Hwa

▪ Use of proxy indicators for filling data gaps

Asli Asik Yavuz and Elif Merder

10:30 – 10:50 Coffee/Tea break

12.00 - 14.00 Lunch Side event on

Results of economic statistics capacity screening 2017

14.00 – 15.00 Session 4: System of National Accounts (SNA) and related economic statistics ,

Continued

Presentations:

▪ SNA and BOP: Why are they different in practice and what can be done to resolve

the differences?

Benson Sim

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▪ Ten years of the 2008 SNA: Looking forward looking back

Benson Sim

▪ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and GDP: What national accounts bring to

the table

Thomas Alexander, Claudia H Dziobek and Tadeusz Galeza

Papers to be presented and discussed:

▪ Equivalent scale approach to measure consumption per capita in Indonesia

I Gede Putu Dharma Yusa; Bukhari Fauzul Rahman

▪ Developing labour accounts in Iran

Z. Rezaei Ghahroodi and Farhad Mehran

Bhutan and environment economic statistics for sustainable development: Subsoil Minerals

Tobden

15:00 – 15:20 Coffee/Tea break

15:20 – 16.00 Session 4: System of National Accounts (SNA) and related economic statistics,

Continued

Presentations:

▪ Compilation and Estimation of Islamic finance statistics: The Malaysia experience

Mohd Yazid Kasim

▪ Islamic finance in the System of National Accounts

Benson Sim

16:00 – 17:00 Side event: Ocean statistics

Presentation:

▪ Ocean accounts

Michael Bordt

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Wednesday, 9 May 2018

09:00 – 09:10 Recap of Day 2

09:10 – 12.00 Session 5: Communication and use of economic statistics

The session explores the strengths and weaknesses of communication and dissemination of

economic statistics to facilitate evidence-based policies considering the 2030 Agenda for

Sustainable Development.

Discussants will focus on inter-institutional/ governance systems and policy, emerging

technologies for disseminating statistical information, approaches to systematically evaluate the

relevance and use of statistical products, or other angles to highlight challenges and opportunities

for more effective use of economic statistics for accurate interpretation by the public and users,

particularly policy-makers.

Presentations:

▪ Communicating statistics: Common misconceptions

Arman Bidarbakht Nia

▪ Communicating data needs: Policy-data interaction

Arman Bidarbakht Nia

▪ Communication, dissemination and advocacy strategy in the domain of agricultural and rural

statistics

Kijsart Onngernthayakorn

Papers to be presented and discussed:

▪ Comics for statistics literacy – Understanding seasonal adjustment in figures

Yuniarti and Maulana Faris

▪ New electronic data delivery system of Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey

Adnan Eken, Aycan Ozek, Burcu Cakmak, Seyma Serdengecti

10:30 – 11:00 Group Photo. Coffee/tea break

12:00 – 12:15 Seminar closing

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Annex III: LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

Bangladesh

Mr Mohammad Salim Sarker, Deputy Director, Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics

Mr Abul Kalam Azad, Director, Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics

Bhutan

Mr Ugyen Norbu, Chief Statisticial Officer, National Statistics Bureau

Mr Tobden, Deputy Chief Statisticial Officer, National Statistics Bureau

Cambodia

Mr Chettra Keo, Director, National Institute of Statistics (NIS)

Mr Sovorlak Khin, Deputy Director General, National Institute of Statistics (NIS)

China

Ms Hongjuan Sun, Director of Division of Statistical Standards, National Bureau of Statistics

Hong Kong, China

Ms Sui Sum Amy Yu, Senior Statistician (Sectoral Economic Statistics), Census and Statistics

Department

India

Mr Chandrajit Chatterjee, Deputy Director, Economic Statistics Division, Central Statistics

Office, Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation

Mr Gobinda Prasad Samanta, Adviser, Reserve Bank of India

Indonesia

Mr Abd. Hadi Asfarangga, Staff of Rest of The World Account Section, Directorate of

Expenditure Accounts, BPS Statistics - Indonesia

Mr Amanda Putra, Tourism Statistics, BPS Statistics – Indonesia

Ms Atika Nashirah Hasyyati, Statistician/Staff at Directorate of Finance, Information

Technology and Tourism Statistics, BPS Statistics - Indonesia

Ms Bertha Dian Pardani Sianipar, Policy Analyst, Ministry of Tourism

Ms Bukhari Fauzul Rahman Fabanyo, Statistician for Social Statistics of BPS Provinsi

Maluku Utara, BPS Statistics – Indonesia

Ms Chindy Saktias Pratiwi, Directorate of Price Statistics, BPS Statistics – Indonesia

Ms Eni Lestariningsih, Head of ICT Statistics Division, BPS Statistics – Indonesia

Ms Fatma Yuliana, Staff of Rest of The World Account Section, Directorate of Expenditure

Account, BPS Statistics – Indonesia

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Ms Gusnisa Siswayu, Staff of ICT Statistics Subdirectorate, BPS Statistics – Indonesia

Ms Heny Wulandari, Tourism Statistics, BPS Statistics – Indonesia

Ms Husnul Chitimah, Directorate of Statistical Methodology, BPS Statistics – Indonesia

Ms Irdiena Izza Ell Milla, Directorate of Statistical Methodology, BPS Statistics – Indonesia

Ms Irien Kamaratih Arsiani, Directorate of Statistical Methodology, BPS Statistics –

Indonesia

Ms Karmila Maharani, Staff of ICT Statistics Division, BPS Statistics – Indonesia

Mr Muhlis Bachrodin Sukar, Statistician, BPS Statistics – Indonesia

Ms Novien Nur Elia, Staff for Digital Communication, Ministry of Tourism

Ms Rina Indriani, Staff at Directorate of Financial, Information Technology and Tourism

Statistics, BPS Statistics – Indonesia

Mr Siim Esko, Head of International Sales, Positium LBS

Ms Shafa Rosea Surbakti, Directorate of Statistical Methodology, BPS Statistics – Indonesia

Ms Silvia Arini, Directorate of Statistical Methodology, BPS Statistics – Indonesia

Ms Titi Kanti Lestari, Director of Finance, ICT, and Tourism Statistics, BPS Statistics –

Indonesia

Mr Viktor Suwiyanto, Staff of IT Management Subdirectorate, BPS Statistics – Indonesia

Ms Yuniarti, Directorate of Analysis and Statistical Development, BPS Statistics – Indonesia

Iran (Islamic Republic of)

Ms Zahra Rezaeighahroodi, Associate Professor, Statistical Research and Training Center

Lao People's Democratic Republic

Mr Phousavanh Chanthasombath, Deputy Director General, Department of Administration,

Lao Statistics Bureau

Mr Vixay Santivong, Director General, Department of Economics Statistics, Lao Statistics

Bureau

Malaysia

Ms Fadzilah Aini Mustaffa, Assistant Director, Department of Statistics Malaysia

Ms Mee Hwa Kon, Principle Assistant Director, Department of Statistics Malaysia

Mr Mohd Yazid Kasim, Senior Deputy Director, National Accounts Statistics Division,

Department of Statistics Malaysia

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Maldives

Ms Mariyam Shadeena, Deputy Statistician, National Bureau of Statistics

Myanmar

Ms Zar Kyi Win, Staff Officer, Central Statistical Organization (CSO)

Nepal

Mr Avadhesh Kumar Shukla, National Account Section, Central Bureau Of Statistics

Mr Gangaram Bhattarai, Statistics officer, Central bureau of statistics

Mr Mahesh Chand Pradhan, Director, Economic Census Section, Central Bureau of Statistics

New Zealand

Mr Hamish Grant, Senior Analyst National Accounts, Statistics New Zealand

Philippines

Ms Julieta Soliven, Chief Statistical Specialist, Philippine Statistics Authority

Republic of Korea

Mr Heejong Kim, Deputy Director, Economic Statistics Planning Division, Statistics Korea

Singapore

Ms Suzanne Wong, Deputy Director, Singapore Department of Statistics

Sri Lanka

Ms Opanayaha Sumudu Samanthi, Statistical Assistant, Department of Census and Statistics

Thailand

Mr Atchanut Rattanalertnusorn, Assistant Professor of Statistics, Rajamangala University of

Technology Thanyaburi

Mr Boonsit Suttinoon, Statistician, Professional Level, National Statistical Office

Ms Duangjai Wattanawong, Statistician, National Statistical Office

Mr Kijsart Onngernthayakorn, Statistician, Thailand’s Centre for Agricultural Information

Mr Monsak Socharoentum, Senior Expert, Smart City Department, Digital Economy

Promotion Agency (DEPA), Ministry of Digital Economy and Society

Ms Nanthana Boonsang, Statistician, Professional level, National Statistical Office

Ms Nittaya Pa-in, Statistician, National Statistical Office

Dr Pattamaporn Busapathumrong, Consultant, Asia Research Initiative Network (ARIN)

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Ms Pattamavadee Thongdonon, Statistician, Professional level, National Statistical Office

Ms Pavonpad Sittigol, Statistician, Professional level, National Statistical Office

Mr Prawit Banjong, Statistician, National Statistical Office

Ms Siriporn Kaeochotchuangkul, Statistician, National Statistical Office

Ms Sukritta Sodanin, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok

Ms Supaporn Nontanum, Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi

Ms Suphanida Satjasai, Statistician, National Statistical Office

Ms Taratip Praphunpot, Statistician, Professional level, National Statistical Office

Timor-Leste

Mr Cesar Martins Melito, SDG Focal Point, General Directorate of Statistics

Turkey

Ms Aslı Asik Yavuz, TurkStat Expert, TurkStat

Ms Aycan Ozek, Director of Monetary and Financial Statistics Division, Statistics

Department, Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey

Ms Burcu Cakmak, Central Bank Specialist, Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey

Ms Derya BAŞ SONBUL, TurkStat Expert, TurkStat

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DEVELOPMENT PARTNER

Asian Development Bank (ADB)

Mr Kaushal Joshi, Principal Statistician

Department for International Development (DFID)

Mr Craig Irwin, Statistics Adviser, Portfolio Effectiveness Team, DFID Nepal

Ms Joanne McFadden, Adviser, Data for Development Team, Research & Evidence Division

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

Ms Sangita Dubey, Regional Statistician for Asia and the Pacific

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Ms Qi He, Advisor

International Labour Organization

Mr Tite Habiyakare, Regional Labour Statistician

Pacific Community (SPC)

Mr David Abbott, Manager, Data Analysis and Dissemination, Statistics for Development

Division

Ms Nilima Lal, Economic Statistics Advisor

UN Environment

Mr Ananda Dias, Environmental Review Coordinator

United Nations Statistics Division

Mr Benson Sim, National Accounts Section, Economic Statistics Branch

World Health Organization

Mr Khalil Rahman, Senior Public Health Policy Advisor

INDEPENDENT EXPERT

Mr Matthew Shearing, Official Statistics Advisor, Independent

Mr Alexander Rayner, Chief Executive Officer, SmartData.travel Limited

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23

SECRETARIAT

Ms Rikke Munk Hansen Officer-in-Charge, a.i., Economic and Environment Statistics

Section (EES), Statistics Division

Mr Alick Nyasulu, Statistician, EES, Statistics Division

Mr Michael Bordt, Regional Advisor, Office of the Director (OD), Statistics Division

Mr Michael Biddington, Statistician, EES, Statistics Division

Ms Ivana Brnovic, Statistician, OD, Statistics Division

Ms Farzana Sharmin, Associate Statistician, EES, Statistics Division

Mr Christopher Sean Lovell, Associate Statistician, Population and Social Statistics Section

(PSS), Statistics Division)

Mr Jose Antonio Pedrosa Garcia, Economic Affairs Officer, Macroeconomic Policy and

Analysis Section, Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Development Division

Ms Nixie Mabanag Abarquez, Statistics Assistant, EES, Statistics Division

Ms Supaporn Chatwanichkul, Programme Assistant, EES, Statistics Division

Ms Emma Kasemsuwan, Staff Assistant, EES, Statistics Division

Ms Mengxi Wang, Intern, Information and Communications Technology and Disaster Risk

Reduction Division