Report of the Seminar I....
Transcript of Report of the Seminar I....
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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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