Regional Progress Reports - World Bank · the Global Office (GO) and the 2005 ICP-Africa items list, the presentation of the 2011 ICP Quality Assurance Check Lists, the ICP Software

International Comparison Program

3rd Executive Board Meeting

October 18, 2010

Washington DC

Regional Progress Reports

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Table of Contents

Africa .............................................................................................................................................. 4

I. Coordination aspects ................................................................................................................ 5

II. Country participation .............................................................................................................. 5

III. Funding .................................................................................................................................. 5

IV. Regional activities/meetings ................................................................................................. 6

V. Progress with product list ..................................................................................................... 11

VI. Progress with national accounts .......................................................................................... 11

VII. Operational materials ......................................................................................................... 12

VIII. Country readiness for 2011 activities ............................................................................... 12

IX. 2009 updates: ...................................................................................................................... 13

Asia Pacific .................................................................................................................................. 14

I. Coordination aspects .............................................................................................................. 15

II. Economy participation .......................................................................................................... 16

III. Funding ................................................................................................................................ 16

IV. Regional activities/meetings ............................................................................................... 17

V. Progress with product list ..................................................................................................... 18

VI. Progress with national accounts .......................................................................................... 20

VII. Operations Manuals ........................................................................................................... 20

VIII. 2011 ICP Asia Pacific Software Suite .............................................................................. 20

IX. Economy readiness for 2011 activities ............................................................................... 21

X. The 2009 PPP Updates ......................................................................................................... 21

CIS ................................................................................................................................................ 22

Annex 1 Schedule of the works on international comparisons of GDP for 2010-2011 in the

framework of the Global round of ICP 2011 ............................................................................ 27

Eurostat-OECD PPP .................................................................................................................. 29

3

Latin America and the Caribbean............................................................................................. 31

I. Coordination aspects .............................................................................................................. 32

II. Country participation ............................................................................................................ 33

III. Funding ................................................................................................................................ 36

IV. Regional activities / meetings ............................................................................................. 38

V. Product list ............................................................................................................................ 41

VI. National accounts ................................................................................................................ 42

VII. Operational materials ......................................................................................................... 42

VIII. Country readiness for 2011 activities ............................................................................... 42

Western Asia................................................................................................................................ 44

I. Coordination Aspects: ............................................................................................................ 45

II. Country Participation: ........................................................................................................... 45

III. Funding: .............................................................................................................................. 46

IV. Regional Activities/Meetings: ............................................................................................. 46

V. Progress with Product List: .................................................................................................. 47

VI. Progress with National Accounts: ....................................................................................... 47

VII. Operational Materials: ....................................................................................................... 47

VIII. Country Readiness for 2011 activities:............................................................................. 48

Annex 1. Terms of Reference: Regional Governance Framework for Western Asia Region .. 49

4

Africa

5

Africa Regional Report on the Readiness for the 2011 Round in the Region

Proposed areas to cover

I. Coordination aspects

- Regional Coordination team

The team is in place consisting of all the staff in Statistics Capacity Building Division. The team

collaborates with staff from SROs/RECs.

- Advisory Board

The Board has since been constituted chaired by head of Stats SA. Other members include,

representatives of CEN-SAD, ECOWAS, ENSEA, ECCAS, COMESA, IGAD, SADC, UMA ,

AFRISTAT, AfDB, AU, ECA and ACBF; Heads of Statistics Offices for Kenya, Nigeria,

Senegal, Cameron, Morocco, Egypt, Mozambique and Gabon; one representative from the STCs;

Regional co-ordinator as Ex-officio and; GO manager as Ex-officio.

II. Country participation

- Expected number of countries

Expected number of countries is 52.

- Confirmations received

So far all the 51 have confirmed.

- Any issues to report

The issue on language has continued to be problematic especially for French speaking countries.

This resulted in delays in terms of communicating with countries on a number of issues. And

more recently Libya asked for documents in Arabic, but efforts are being made to resolve them

by ensuring Arab speaking consultants are engaged missions and workshops to help translate and

interpret.

III. Funding

- Total yearly budget

Enough funds will be allocated for ICP activities.

- Funding procured/ commitments from financiers

Apart from ADF, we have USD 6 millions from ACBF for years; ISDB pledged USD 2 millions.

6

- Contribution of regional coordinating agencies (monetary and in-kind)

None.

- Yearly budget deficit

No deficits are anticipated for ADF countries. For ADB countries we have MIC which will be

resolved by October.

IV. Regional activities/meetings

- Launching/inception activities

The first ICP-Africa regional workshop was held from 14 to 25 June 2010 at Safari Park Hotel

Conference Centre, Nairobi, Kenya. The workshop brought together Heads of National

Statistical Offices, Prices and National accounts experts from 49 Regional Member Countries

and Representatives of Statistical Training Centres, African Regional and Sub-regional

organizations and the ICP Global Office/World Bank.

The main objective of the workshop was to launch the 2011 ICP-Africa round activities discuss

and agree on the work program and provide participants with all the necessary information for

the implementation of the 2011 ICP-Africa round.

The prices statistics sessions focus was on the review of the Global core list (V4) developed by

the Global Office (GO) and the 2005 ICP-Africa items list, the presentation of the 2011 ICP

Quality Assurance Check Lists, the ICP Software Modules with the ICP-Africa data processing

software called ―Genesis‖, and the intra country validation of the 2009 ICP-Africa prices data

with the help of AfDB, AFRISTAT, COMESA, ECOWAS and the GO.

For national accounts experts focus was on taking stock of the guidelines prepared on 2011 ICP-

Africa round national accounts activities, contributing to review the ICP 2011 Global Core List

Related to Major Household Products, reviewing the GDP breakdown estimates for 2009 and

ICP national accounts specific surveys for 2009 and 2010.

The second Regional workshop was organized in Hammamet, Tunisia from 30th

August to 3rd

September, 2010 and aimed at finalizing the Regional items list, the price survey design and the

validation of price and national accounts data in preparation for the 2009 regional purchasing

power parities (PPPs) computations that was initiated in Nairobi. The workshop brought together

National Accounts and Price Statisticians who are responsible for day-to-day implementation of

the ICP program at country, sub-regional and/or Regional level. In attendance also were lecturers

and researchers from Statistical Training Centres.

7

- Technical assistance activities (prices and national accounts)

Technical assistance will be required in the preparation of the ICP-Africa operational

manual. In additional the following TA will be required in Price Statistics and National

Accounts respectively;

Technical Assistance activities for Price statistics:

1. Elaboration or updating survey frameworks and related data collection preparatory

activities;

2. Training of data collectors, data entry clerks and supervisors;

3. Support on the use of ICP data collection and validation tools;

4. Support on any specific request about ICP methodology.

Technical Assistance activities for National accounts:

1. Technical assistance will be provided to some countries for the estimates of GDP

expenditure and improvement of national accounts;

2. Use of new forms and meta data reports for 2011 ICP round GDP breakdown process;

3. Investigation of the coverage, source of data and indicators for estimation of NPISH final

consumption expenditure;

4. Use of informal sector surveys data for NA purposes;

5. Capacity building in the principles underlying SUTs in view of improving the quality of

NA data in the medium term;

6. Insuring consistency between prices in NA values and prices collected.

8

- Calendar of upcoming activities (2010/2011)

Price Statistics:

N° Price activities Deadline Responsibles

1. Submission of the ICP-Africa National Coordination

Team to AfDB and SRO

10 September 2010 Countries

2. Country Survey Framework Report submission 30 September 2010 Countries

3. Updating the Regional List 15 September 2010 AfDB and SRO

4. Final submission of the 2009 price data 17 September 2010 Countries

5. Sending to countries the ICP price survey material

including field instruments and survey forms

05 October 2010 AfDB and SRO

6. Training ICP price survey field staff in countries 20 October 2010 Countries

7. Sending to countries and SRO for review the 2009

ICP-Africa preliminary results

30 October 2010 AfDB

8. Training of trainers on ICP-Africa 2011 Software

(Genesis Software and ICP Country Software)

15-19 November 2010 AfDB (with the

participation of the GO)

9. Training on ICP-Africa 2011 Software (Genesis

Software and ICP Country Software) for

participating countries

From December 2010 to

February 2011

AfDB and STC

10. Sending the final Regional List and Products

catalogues to countries

31st December 2010 AfDB

11. Technical assistance mission to countries on ICP

price activities

- Elaboration or updating survey

frameworks and related data collection

preparatory activities;

- Training of data collectors, data entry

clerks and supervisors;

- Support on the use of ICP data

collection and validation tools;

- Support on any specific request about

ICP methodology;

- Supervision of the work of the national

coordination teams.

From September 2010 to

September 2011

AfDB, AFRISTAT,

COMESA, SADC,

ECOWAS

12. Sub-Regional (ECOWAS, SADC, COMESA, UMA,

ECCAS) ICP-Africa price quality control and

validation for 2010 (12 months) and 2011 (three

months) data

01-05 April 2011 AfDB and RECs

13. Regional ICP-Africa price quality control and

validation for 2010 (12 months) and 2011 (three

months) data

06-10 June 2011 AfDB

14. Sub-Regional (ECOWAS, SADC, COMESA, UMA,

ECCAS) ICP-Africa price quality control and

validation for 2010 (12 months) and 2011 (ten

months) data

10-14 November 2011 AfDB and RECs

9

National Accounts activities

N° NA activities Deadline/Time frame Responsibles

1. Preparation of Budget and submission to AfDB 30th September 2010 Countries

2. TA missions on 2009 GDP breakdown for selected

countries

September – October 2010 AfDB & RECs/SROs

3. Final submission of GDP vectors for 2009 31st October 2010 Countries

4. Major aggregates (revised) for 2006, 2007, 2008,

2009

Values for all basic headings for 2006, 2007, 2008,

2009

November 2010

Countries

5. Ten (10) Case studies to be conducted by end

December 2010 to customize the forms & assess

additional workload to countries

November & December

2010

AfDB & RECs/SROs

6. National Accounts Sub-Regional Workshops (AMU,

COMESA, ECCAS, ECOWAS, SADC): Case

studies on 2011 ICP National Accounts Meta-data

Forms & Specific Surveys Methodology

December 2010-January

2011

RECs/SROs

7. 5 National Accounts Sub-Regional Workshops

(AMU, COMESA, ECCAS, ECOWAS, SADC):

Preliminary data for 2010

April 2011

RECs/SROs

8. 3rd ICP 2011 Regional Workshop: 2010 GDP

Breakdown: Preliminary data

June 2011 AfDB

9. Major aggregates (revised data for 2006, 2007,

2008, 2009), preliminary data for 2010

All basic headings for 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010

(preliminary)

July 2011 Countries

10. 5 National Accounts Sub-Regional Workshops

(AMU, COMESA, ECCAS, ECOWAS, SADC):

Revised data for 2010 & ICP 2011 Specific Surveys

data validation

August-September 2011

RECs/SROs

11. 4th ICP 2011 Regional Workshop: 2010 GDP

Breakdown: Revised data & ICP 2011 Specific

Surveys data validation

November 2011 AfDB

10

Proposed ICP-Africa 2011 Timetable

Last Update Proposed ICP-Africa 2011 Timetable

27-Aug-10 Price activities Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

1 Meetings

1.1 Regional Technical meetings (National coordinators and experts)

1.2 AMU

1.3 COMESA

1.4 ECCAS

1.5 ECOWAS

1.6 SADC

2 Capacity Building, Quality Control and Software

2.1 Technical support and supervision for countries

2.1.1 Assistance to Algeria

2.1.2 Assistance to Eritrea

2.1.3 Assistance to Libya

2.1.4 Assistance to Seychelles

2.1.5 Assistance to Angola

2.1.6 Assistance to Equatorial Guinea

3.1.7 Assistance to countries on ICP-Africa Price activities

2.2 Quality assurance framework/ checklists implementation

2.3 Software development (Family of sofware: Integrated African software, GO software, etc)

2.3.1 Development of data validation tools

2.3.2 Testing and documentation of the data validation tools

2.4 Software deployment, training, and support

2.4.1 Training (for Data Processing Tools)

3 Methodology

3.1 Manuals & guidelines (customization to regional needs and translation, if applicable)

3.1.1 Review and update of the ICP Training manual (Supervisor, Data Collector)

3.1.2 Review and update of the Price collector manual

3.1.3 Review and update of specific guidelines and explanations on market segments

4 Price Survey Preparations

4.1 Regional and core product lists (HHC and other GDP components)

4.1.1 Desk review of Core list

4.1.2 Sending comments to GO

4.1.3 Sending Revised GCL to Countries

4.1.4 Identification by countries of Available/Not Available/Representative Products

4.1.5 Sending Countries answers to GO

4.1.6 Updating the 2005 Regional list

4.1.7 Developing a Regional Core List (GCL and ICP-Africa List)

4.2 RECS' product lists

4.2.1 Identification of RECs' lists

4.2.2 Finalization of RECs' lists

4.3 Products catalogue

4.3.1 Producing the Regional Core List Catalogue including RECs' lists

4.4 Survey design

4.4.1 Survey design and preparation of survey frameworks

4.4.2 Assistance to countries

4.5 Price survey data collection forms

4.5.1 Updating and development of data collection forms

4.5.2 Sending data collection forms to countries for comments

4.5.3 Countries send their comments to AfDB

4.5.4 Finalization of data collection forms

5 Price Data Collection, Validation and Transmission

5.1 Pilot data collection (if applicable)

5.2 Data collection

5.2.1 Data Collection

5.2.2 Education Survey

5.2.3 Health and Health Services

5.2.4 Pharmaceutical Products

5.3 Data validation (intra-country and regional)

5.3.1 In country Data Validation

5.3.2 RECs' data validation

5.3.3 Regional Data Validation

5.4 Calculation of National Annual Average

5.5 Country submission final validated price data to the Regional Coordinators

5.5.1 Transmission to AfDB

5.5.2 Transmission by countries/RECs of validated data to AfDB

5.6 Transmission of final validated price data to the GO

5.6.1 Transmission by AfDB of validated data to GO

5.6.2 Transmission of Final Validated Data

2010 2011

11

V. Progress with product list

- Update of regional lists

With the final version of the GCL and the participative work done with countries price experts

during the 2nd

Regional Workshop in Hammamet, the African Regional List and its sub-

components is 90% completed. Outlets types have been linked to each product in the list. The

Regional Coordinating Team is consolidating all the comments raised during the workshop and

come up with a sound List.

- Feedback received from countries

One of the main objectives of the Hammamet regional workshop was to impart the necessary

skills to county price experts who will be responsible for the day-to-day management of ICP

activities in their respective countries and to agree on the specifications of household

consumption items including food and items to be surveyed in the countries. The Countries

representatives made proposals on Products Specifications and agreed on the outcome (Draft

regional list) of the exercise.

- Inclusion of Global Core items

The draft regional list has around 1000 items with 600 products from the Global Core list.

- Country responses on the matrix of Availability/Importance

Countries have been invited to submit the matrix of Availability/Importance by the end of

September 2010 at the latest. Up to now only 16 countries have submitted their matrix of

Availability and Importance of products from the Regional list derived from the Hammamet

workshop.

VI. Progress with national accounts

- Compilation of data on major aggregates for the latest available year

Major aggregates for the year 2009 are available for 45 countries.

- Compilation of basic heading data for the latest available year

Since 2005, GDP breakdown exercise is a routine activity in African countries with support and

coordination from the AfDB. GDP vectors series (2005-2008) are available for 45 countries.

Among 52 countries targeted 8 only have not submitted their GDP vectors for 2009: Burundi,

Libya, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Sao Tome e Principe, Seychelles, Angola & Eritrea. TA

missions are scheduled in October 2010 to assist these countries.

12

VII. Operational materials

- Availability of operational materials in regional languages

Consideration is being made to hire a consultant to prepare operational manuals. Francophone

countries are stilling requesting documents in French. They complain that they disadvantaged in

comparison with their colleagues Francophone.

- Distribution of operational materials on prices and national accounts to

countries (product lists, forms, guidelines, etc.)

All the operational materials on Price survey will be sent to countries by the 5th

October 2010.

Materials include (i) A Trainer’s Guide for training of Field supervisors and price data collectors;

(ii) Specific guidelines and explanations on market segments; (iii) Manual for price collectors

and, (iv) The operational manual for national coordinators in addition to the items list. The

copies are attached. Please attach copies

We are still waiting for methodological documents on specific surveys.

VIII. Country readiness for 2011 activities

- Analysis of country readiness based on country responses to readiness

questionnaire

As at the time of preparing this report, 29 countries out of 50 had responded to the readiness

questionnaire. The following table summarizes the responses:

Issues Yes=1; No=0;

No Response=2

Total Country

Do you believe that you would be

ready by December 2010 to start

ICP Price Surveys and National

Accounts Work in January 2011?

1 18

0 0

2 11

Establishing the ICP team (National

Coordinators, Deputy Coordinators,

National Accounts Experts,

Supervisors, Fields Staff,

Administrative Assistant)

1 28

0 1

2 0

Logistical preparations (Office

equipment, Credentials and

identification cards for price

collectors and supervisors,

Communication means, etc.)

1 25

0 4

2 0

Establishing National Work Plan

and Timetable, including Survey

period, Timing of data collection,

and Frequency of collection

1 29

0 0

2 0

13

Issues Yes=1; No=0;

No Response=2

Total Country

Preparation of Sampling Frames for

Price Data Collection and

Guidelines for Outlet Selection

1 29

0 0

2 0

Product Specification Work (ICP

regional product list obtained from

the Regional Coordinator;

Identification of common products

in CPI and ICP baskets;

Identification of products

availability; Product specifications

translated in local language, if

needed)

1 27

0 2

2 0

Preparation and Printing of Data

Collection Forms

1 26

0 3

2 0

Determining Needs for Technical

Assistance for price survey

1 26

0 3

2 0

Receiving National Accounts Forms

and Guidelines for the ICP

1 26

0 3

2 0

Compilation of Preliminary Estimate

for GDP and Major GDP Aggregates

for the Latest Year After 2005

(possibly 2009)

1 25

0 1

2 3

Determining Needs for Technical

Assistance on National Accounts

1 23

0 3

2 3

IX. 2009 updates:

- Data release of 2009 updates

The 2009 ICP-Africa preliminary results are planned to be released in December 2010.

14

Asia Pacific

15

Regional Report on the Readiness of the 2011 ICP Asia Pacific

The ICP in Asia and the Pacific under the Asian Development Bank has undertaken

several activities in preparation for the 2011 ICP, starting as early as 2008 upon the conclusion

of the 2005 ICP round. This report provides information on what has been done in the Asia

Pacific region in preparation for the 2011 ICP, following the guide questions provided by the

ICP Global Office.


1. The Development Indicators and Policy Research Division (ERDI), of the Asian

Development Bank, is the Regional Coordinating Agency (RCA) responsible for the

implementation of the 2011 ICP for Asia and the Pacific. The RCA Asia Pacific team consists of

the Lead Professional for Statistics and Statistical Capacity Building, the designated Regional

Coordinator for Asia and the Pacific; an Associate Economics and Statistics Analyst;

international and national consultants; and the Assistant Chief Economist who provides the

overall guidance. The RCA also works in close collaboration with the Global Office in the

implementation of the 2011 ICP.

2. Two important meetings have been convened to improve coordination in the region: the

first Regional Advisory Board Meeting; and the Meeting of Heads of National Implementing

Agencies (NIAs). The RAB Meeting was held on 20 May 2010, discussed the 2011 ICP at the

global and regional levels, Framework of Partnership, and institutional arrangements. Board

composition is as follows:

Chief Economist, ADB

Australian Statistician, Australian Bureau of Statistics

Director, Statistics Division, UN ESCAP

Director, UN SIAP

Director General, National Institute of Statistics, Cambodia

Director General, International Statistical Information Center, National Bureau of

Statistics, PRC

Commissioner, Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong, China

Chief Statistician, Central Statistics Organization, India

Chief Statistician, Badan Pusat Statistik, Indonesia

Chief Statistician, Department of Statistics, Malaysia

Administrator, National Statistics Office, Philippines

Director, Bureau of Trade and Economic Indices, Thailand

16

Ex-officio Members: ICP Global Coordinator, World Bank

Assistant Chief Economist, ERDI/ERD, ADB

Member Secretary: Regional Coordinator, ICP Asia Pacific, ADB

3. The Administrator, National Statistics Office, Philippines was elected as chair with a

term of one year. All Board members were present with the exception of the members from India

and Malaysia.

4. The Meeting of NIA Heads held on 20-21 May 2010 was vital in forging a close

working relationship with the national statistical offices, and eliciting their continued support for

ICP activities. The meeting also familiarized NIA heads on the R-RDTA objectives; work

program; 2011 ICP governance structure including the Framework of Partnership; data and

related statistical requirements; and a background on the proposed methodology.

5. To foster better coordination, participating economies were requested to designate their

national coordinators (preferably from the price division) and deputy national coordinators (from

the national accounts division). They are the focal points of communication between the ADB

and the NIA. If multiple agencies are involved, it is the duty of the National Coordinator to

coordinate with the various bodies.

II. Economy participation

6. Twenty two ADB regional members (Bangladesh; Bhutan; Brunei Darussalam;

Cambodia; People’s Republic of China; Fiji Islands; Hong Kong, China; India; Indonesia; Lao

PDR; Malaysia; Maldives; Mongolia; Myanmar; Nepal; Pakistan; Philippines; Singapore; Sri

Lanka; Taipei,China; Thailand; and Viet Nam) have officially confirmed their participation in

the 2011 ICP round; with the submission of their signed Letter of No Objection. Macao, China,

a non-ADB member, is participating at its own expense.

III. Funding

7. The ICP is classified as a Regional Research and Development Technical Assistance

project. Funding is provided on a project basis and may cut across years. The procedure to obtain

internal funding for R-RDTAs commences with a concept paper explaining the rationale for the

project and estimated cost requirements. On approval by management, funds from the Technical

Assistance Special Funds are provided, if available. To date only US $1.5 million has been

approved by ADB management for the 2011 ICP. Cognizant of the fact that the current funds

will be insufficient for the entire program, an additional $1.7 million need to be raised to

undertake all the required activities for the 2011 ICP.

17

IV. Regional activities/meetings

8. The work program and schedule of activities as submitted to the Global Office in April

2010 remains unchanged. Aside from the first meetings of the Regional Advisory Board and the

Heads of National Implementing Agencies, ICP Asia Pacific has conducted two regional

meetings as of June 2010.

a. Regional meetings convened to date

(i) Inception Workshop (14-15 June 2010) – Price statisticians and national accounts

experts from 22 participating economies attended the workshop which ensured

that economies are involved in the planning process. Aside from formally

introducing the program and explaining the processes and work involved, the

meeting agenda also included: technical requirements covering price collection,

derivation of weights from the national accounts, sampling designs for ICP price

surveys, product list development, and other activities related to PPP

computation.

(ii) First Meeting of National Coordinators (16-22 June 2010) – The meeting on

Product List Development and Preliminary Sampling Design with the national

coordinators was held to discuss the global product list; develop the Asia Pacific

product lists; and conduct the training on formulation of sampling designs for ICP

price surveys. A draft regional list was drawn up during the meeting and a draft

product catalogue has been prepared. Evaluation of the availability and

importance of products in the GCL was also discussed. Economies have been

requested to submit their ICP price survey sampling designs prior to the next

meeting in September.

b. Upcoming meetings

(iii) Workshop on the 2011 ICP Survey Framework and Methodology (27 Sept-1 Oct

2010) –This will be a follow meeting/workshop on sampling and survey

framework for the 2011 ICP. The primary aim is to evaluate the proposed

sampling designs by economies. Detailed discussion on sample size

determination, geographic coverage, outlets selection, frequency of price

collection together with number of products and number of quotations per product

would be deliberated. Aside from this pricing concepts and the software suite

would also be discussed.

(iv) The Second Regional Advisory Board meeting has been scheduled for mid-

November 2010. Invitation letters to RAB members would be issued once the

venue has been confirmed.

18

V. Progress with product list

9. The Preliminary Asia Pacific Product (AP) List and the Global Core List (GCL) were

discussed at the First Meeting of National Coordinators (16-22 June). The AP List will be

finalized at the workshop on 27 September – 1 October 2010. The starting point for the AP List

was the 2005 ICP regional list and updated with the 2009 PPP Update list and new entrants in the

market, particularly on household durable items. Table 1 shows the profile of the Asia Pacific

Product List. A number of items in the GCL matched with the regional list and where SPDs

reflected minimal differences between the GCL and the AP Lists, the GCL SPDs were adopted.

Table 1: Preliminary Asia and the Pacific Regional Household Product List

Categories No. of

Products

Food & non-alcoholic beverages 244

Alcoholic beverages, tobacco & narcotics 24

Clothing & footwear 80

Housing, water, electricity, gas & other fuels 14

Furnishings, household equipment & routine maintenance of

the house 94

Health 79

Transport 48

Communication 14

Recreation & culture 67

Education 6

Restaurants & hotels 21

Miscellaneous goods & services 49

Total 740

10. The GCL Version 4 provided by the Global Office in May was also evaluated during the

first meeting of national coordinators with particular focus on availability in the country and in

the region. The matrix of availability has been submitted to the Global Office in August. The

GCL Version 5.2 from the Global Office (received in early September) has an additional 31

products. ADB has done a desk evaluation of its availability and has submitted comments to the

Global Office. The next round of evaluation would be for countries to identify product

importance. Table 2 shows the Global Core List and its availability in the Asia Pacific region.

19

Table 2: Global Core and Asia Pacific Lists

Categories

No. of Products

Global Core

List V5

Available in

Asia Pacific

Overlap in AP

regional list

Food & non-alcoholic beverages 189 161 94

Alcoholic beverages, tobacco & narcotics 16 8 6

Clothing & footwear 53 38 17

Housing, water, electricity, gas & other fuels 16 5 2

Furnishings, household equipment & routine

maintenance of the house 75 45 18

Health 64 32 28

Transport 64 34 13

Communication 13 10 4

Recreation & culture 53 34 21

Education 0

Restaurants & hotels 28 9 3

Miscellaneous goods & services 30 19 10

Total 601 395 216

11. In discussing the AP List and the GCL for the 2011 ICP round, the participating

economies were grouped into four sub-regions: Mekong (Cambodia; Lao PDR; Myanmar;

Thailand; and Viet Nam); Southeast/East Asia (People’s Republic of China; Fiji Islands;

Indonesia; Malaysia; Mongolia; and Philippines); South Asia (Bangladesh; Bhutan; India;

Maldives; Nepal; Pakistan; and Sri Lanka); and, High Income (Brunei Darussalam; Hong Kong,

China; Macao, China; Singapore; and Taipei,China) to ensure sub-regional representation in the

lists.

20

VI. Progress with national accounts

12. ADB is implementing the Regional Technical Assistance on Adopting the Supply and

Use Framework. Work on the Supply and Use Tables (SUT) commenced in end 2008 and is

expected to be completed in mid-2011. Economies that participated in the 2005 ICP were invited

to participate in this technical assistance with eighteen economies signing up: Bangladesh;

Bhutan; Brunei Darussalam; Cambodia; PRC; Fiji; Hong Kong, China; India; Indonesia;

Malaysia; Maldives; Mongolia; Nepal; Singapore; Sri Lanka; Taipei,China; Thailand; Viet Nam.

SUT compilation is based on SNA 93 and will have a standard 51 by 32 matrix across all

economies. The SUT is being implemented in phases – phase one focussed on assessing data

availability and compiling the gross output and intermediate consumption matrix; second phase

concentrated on the final demand components and imports; valuation adjustments (taxes and

trade and transport margins); and balancing is done in the third and final phase. All participating

economies are in the final phase of compiling their SUTs.

13. Aside from the SUT, ADB is also implementing the 2009 PPP updating. The national

accounts requirement for the update is similar to the 2005 ICP. GDP weights at the 155 BH level

are currently being compiled by 21 participating economies (Bangladesh; Bhutan; Brunei

Darussalam; Cambodia; PRC; Fiji; Hong Kong, China; India; Indonesia; Lao PDR; Malaysia;

Maldives; Mongolia; Nepal; Pakistan; Philippines; Singapore; Sri Lanka; Taipei,China;

Thailand; Viet Nam). Based on GDP data received to date, 18 of the 21 economies have

provided 2009 GDP expenditures disaggregated into the required 155 basic headings. The three

other economies provided either 2007 or 2008 GDP data. Quite a number of them have used the

same structures as in 2005 ICP to come up with the 155 BH values. Validation checks on the

consistency of data with published information (e.g. CPI, compensation); with the 2005

estimates; and structural analysis are being done prior to finalization and estimation of the 2009

PPPs for Asia and the Pacific.

VII. Operations Manuals

14. ADB has prepared the first draft of the Household Product Catalogue; Field Officers’

Manual for Price Collectors; and Practical Guidelines for Conducting ICP Price Surveys. These

are necessary documents to ensure ICP pricing principles are diligently followed in conducting

price surveys. All these documents are currently in English and economies will be advised to do

their respective translations.

VIII. 2011 ICP Asia Pacific Software Suite

15. ADB is in the process of developing the 2011 ICP Asia Pacific Software Suite (ICP

APSS) that will be used for managing economy and regional data needed for PPP calculation. It

basically carries the same principle as the Price Collection Tool software used for the 2009 PPP

Update for Asia and the Pacific but migrated from MS Excel platform to Visual Basic to

accommodate management and processing of the 2011 ICP data. The system operates at two

21

levels – country and regional. Priority is given to the development of the country module for

household products which is now in its final stages and will be introduced in the upcoming

Workshop on the 2011 ICP Survey Framework and Methodology (27 September to 1 October

2010). The country module includes: Generation of Survey Questionnaires; Outlet Product

Mapping; Data Entry and Basic Price Analysis Tool. A User’s Manual is also being drafted to

serve as the basic reference for the ICP APSS. Once finalized, the software will have the ability

to export and import data in Excel, Access, CSV and XML formats to make it compatible with

whatever existing database file the country has.

IX. Economy readiness for 2011 activities

16. Preparation for the 2011 ICP round in the Asia and Pacific region began as early as 2008

when ADB undertook two regional technical assistance projects upon the conclusion of the 2005

ICP round in 2007: Updating the 2005 PPP estimates to 2009; and Implementing the Supply and

Use Framework towards 1993 System of National Accounts compliance (see section F). Aside

from developing a methodology for updating PPP estimates during non-benchmark years, the

PPP updating project also aimed to continue the momentum built in PPP work developed during

the 2005 round so that statistical capacity acquired would be further developed in the

participating economies. To increase awareness and appreciation on the uses of ICP at the

national level, several in-country trainings on ICP methods and sub-national PPP estimation

using consumer price index price and expenditure data were conducted under the project.

17. The 2011 ICP for Asia and the Pacific begins with a solid foundation built on the success

of the 2005 round. The economies in the region also have the added advantage of having

participated in the two projects in between the 2005 and 2011 ICP rounds which make the Asia

Pacific region better prepared for the 2011 ICP.

18. ADB has requested national coordinators to fill out the Check List on Readiness for

2011 ICP questionnaire prepared by the Global Office. This would be submitted to the Global

Office once all economies have submitted the accomplished questionnaire.

X. The 2009 PPP Updates

19. Preliminary 2009 PPP updates for Asia and the Pacific were discussed in a workshop

held on 30 August – 2 September 2010. Latest GDP figures are being validated together with

other required data inputs. Final results will be available in early 2011 and will be presented to

the heads of national implementing agencies involved in the 2009 PPP Update, prior to the

publication of the 2009 PPP report.

22

CIS

23

Report on readiness of the CIS region to the global round of international

comparison of GDP for 2011 year

1. Decision on participation of the CIS countries in the next round of global international

comparison of GDP for 2011 has been adopted at the 42 session of the Council of Heads of

Statistical Services of the CIS countries which was held in Moscow on November of 2009 year.

It was decided at this session that the CIS STAT would carry out the function of Regional

Coordinating Agency while the Rosstat will act as organization-partner of CIS STAT.

At the 43 session of the Council of Heads of Statistical Services of the CIS countries

which was held in Minsk on 24 of November; the Council reviewed the general course of work

on ICP in the CIS region in 2010 and recommended to CIS-STAT and Rosstat to secure

implementation of all works specified in the schedule of work adopted for 2010 year. The

Council asked CIS-STAT to prepare by the 20 November the recommendations for CIS

countries on compilation of GDP in national currencies in accordance with the SNA 1993. The

Council recommended to statistical offices to carry out experimental breakdown of GDP for

2008 by basic headings and send these data to CIS-STAT in the first quarter of 2011 for analysis

and generalization of possible problems. This material will be sent to Global Office for

information.

In accordance with recommendations of the World Bank special working group on ICP

matters was set up in the CIS STAT; the group consists of 5 persons and headed by the Deputy

Chairman of the Committee - Y. Ivanov. The group in interaction with the Division on

International Comparisons Programs of GDP of Rosstat coordinates activities of statistical

offices of the CIS countries on this matter, monitor implementation of plans, prepares drafts of

the methodological documents, organizes meetings of experts, maintains contacts with the

Global Office of the World Bank.

2. The following CIS countries confirmed their participation in the comparison: Armenia,

Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

Memorandums of understanding between the CIS STAT and statistical agencies of the above

CIS countries were agreed upon and signed.

3. The World Bank provided to CIS STAT 250000 US dollars as a grant for financing

ICP activities in 2010. Out of this amount about 60000 US dollars are earmarked as sub-grants to

the CIS countries. 80000 US dollars will be spent on financing meetings with the experts of CIS

countries to discuss various topics of the ICP. CIS STAT, Rosstat and other statistical services of

the CIS countries finance certain ICP related activities from their regular budgets.

24

4. During 2010 a considerable preparatory work has been carried out in accordance with

the schedule attached in the Annex.

The seminar on ICP matters for experts of CIS countries was held in Minsk on 23-24

August of this year. The seminar was organized jointly by the CIS STAT and National Statistical

Committee of the Republic Belarus. The seminar was attended by the experts of all CIS countries

which confirmed their participation in the comparison, representative of the World Bank (M.

Belkindas) and a member of Technical expert group of ICP (S. Sergeev). A wide range of ICP

methodological and organizational issues was discussed at some length. Some lessons of

comparison for 2005 year were also briefly reviewed. In this connection it was noted that it is

essential to pay more attention to compilation of reliable and comparable data on GDP in

national currencies as a starting point for obtaining data in PPPs terms. The participants also

exchanged views on such topics as coverage of unobserved economy, valuation of dwelling

services produces by the owners of dwellings for own consumption, FISIM, estimation of

government final consumption expenditure. There was general opinion on importance of

improving methods of comparison of non-market services.

In the IV quarter of 2010 and the first quarter of 2011 the following meetings of experts

on ICP matters are planned to be convened:

- On reconciliation of lists of consumer commodities-representatives (8-11 November

2010, Astana);

- On preparation of GDP data in national currencies in accordance with the SNA 1993

(30 November-2 December 2010, Moscow);

- On reconciliation of list of investment commodities-representatives (first quarter of

2011).

5. A work is in progress on preparation of regional lists of consumer and investment

commodities–representatives for discussion at the meetings of experts mentioned above. The key

consumer items were identified in each CIS country and generalized information on this matter

was sent to the global office of the ICP.

6. A work is under way on classification of GDP by basic headings; it includes among

other things detailed description of basic headings and recommendations on possible sources of

data.

7. The work is under way on preparation of a number of methodological documents

dealing with various topics of comparison:

- On selection of consumer commodities-representatives (scope of items, specification of

items, key items etc.)

- On selection of investment commodities–representatives (machinery and equipment)

- On comparison of non-market services and dwelling rent

- On comparison of construction objects.

25

A work has been initiated on preparation of electronic forms to be used for submitting

data to CIS STAT:

- On consumer goods

- On investment goods (machinery and equipment)

- On cost of construction objects

- On breakdown of GDP by basic headings

- On compensation of employees

- On dwelling stocks.

8. The text of this item represents a summary of CIS countries responses to the ―Check

List on Readiness for 2011 ICP‖ recommended by the Global Office of the ICP.

All CIS countries are prepared to launch the survey of prices for ICP purposes in

December 2010 and to begin the work on national accounts matters in January 2011.

The working groups on ICP have been set up; the staff of the working groups is trained to

participate in implementation of the program of the comparison.

National timetables are on the whole consistent with the timetable submitted by the

CISSTAT to the Global Office of the World Bank.

The CIS countries expect to receive from regional coordinator updated Questionnaires for

collecting prices and methodological recommendations for selection of points of purchases

which will be adapted for conditions in the region.

All CIS countries will participate in the work on reconciliations of regional lists of

consumer and investment commodities-representatives at the meetings of experts which are

scheduled to be held in November and December of this year.

In Rosstat which is a partner of the CIS STAT on comparison matters, the work on

translation of the list of commodities-representatives is carried out; common items of CPI and

ICP are identified; also identification of goods with specifications is carried out; the regional lists

of commodities-representatives are being prepared taking into account specifications of goods

contained in OECD-Eurostat lists.

Requirements of CIS countries in technical assistance are determined; they will be

financed largely from subgrants provided by CIS STAT from the World Bank grant.

CIS countries expect receiving from the CIS STAT the questionnaires and

recommendations on compilations of national accounts for the ICP purpose; these are being

prepared now.

26

At the Meeting of the Heads of statistical services of the CIS countries was decided to

carry out experimental breakdown of GDP by basic headings for 2008 and this was noted in the

answers of the countries.

Some countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine identified their

requirements in technical assistance with regard to national accounts. Kyrgyzstan defined

specific directions for using funds namely on purchases of office equipment (computers, printers,

Xeroxes, scanners).

27

Annex 1

Schedule of the works on international comparisons of GDP for 2010-2011 in the

framework of the Global round of ICP 2011

№ Stages of the works Period Executors

1. The seminar on ICP matters for experts of CIS countries in the

meeting of Council of Heads of Statistical Services of the CIS

countries

23-24

August

2010

CIS STAT,

National statistical

Committee of the

Republic Belarus

2. Elaboration of classification of GDP expenditures in accordance with

the ICP and the description of the categories of classification

2-3 quarters

2010

CIS STAT,

Rosstat

3. Elaboration of methodological documents dealing with basic topics of

GDP comparison in CIS region:

- On selection of consumer commodities-representatives (coverage of

items, representativeness of goods, specification of items, prices

monitoring, the number of individual observations of prices,

calculation of average prices, key items etc.)

- On selection of investment commodities-representatives (the part of

machinery and equipment)

- On comparison of non-market services and rent

- On comparison of construction aggregate of gross fixed capital

formation

2-4 quarters

2010

CIS STAT,

Rosstat

4. Participation in the development of the list of key commodities-

representatives

1-4 quarters

2010

CIS STAT,

Rosstat

5. Preparation of regional the lists of consumer and investment

commodities-representatives including key commodities-

representatives

3-4 quarters

2010

CIS STAT,

Rosstat

6. Sending to the countries participating in comparisons the lists of the

consumer and investment commodities-representatives for review and

preparation of proposals

3-4 quarters

2010

CIS STAT,

Statistical Services of

the CIS countries

7. The meeting of specialists-experts of the CIS countries on

reconciliation of the lists of consumer commodities-representatives

8-11

November

2010

CIS STAT,


the CIS countries

8. The meeting of specialists-experts of the CIS countries on the

problems of GDP disaggregation in national currencies in accordance

with the classification of GDP expenditures

30 November -

2 December

2010

CIS STAT,


the CIS countries

28

№ Stages of the works Period Executors

9. Elaboration of electronic forms of data submission and sending them

to the CIS countries:

- on consumer goods

- on investment goods in machinery and equipment

- on cost of construction objects

- on breakdown of GDP by basic headings

- on compensation of employees

- on dwelling stocks

4 quarter 2010

-

1 quarter 2011

CIS STAT,

Rosstat

10. The meeting of specialists-experts of the CIS countries on

reconciliation of the list of investment commodities-representatives

1 quarter 2011 CIS STAT,


the CIS countries

11. Experimental breakdown of GDP for basic headings according to the

data for 2008

1 quarter 2011 CIS STAT,


the CIS countries

12. Monitoring the prices of consumer commodities-representatives and

investment commodities-representatives on investment goods in

machinery and equipment

During 2011 Statistical Services of

the CIS countries

13. Preparation of metadata for the observations of commodities-

representatives (coverage list, the number of representative products,

the number of individual observations of the prices, the frequency of

observations)

During 2011 Statistical Services of

the CIS countries

29

Eurostat-OECD PPP

30

Progress report on Eurostat-OECD PPP program for ICP EB meeting October 2010

MoU between Eurostat, OECD and WB was signed in April 2010.

Price collection for the ICP global core list of products for household goods and services has

started even before the finalisation of the list.

The spring 2010 survey on "House and garden" products (e.g. household durables,

consumer electronics) was the first to include explicitly ICP global core list items. About

50 of the total list of nearly 500 products were marked as ICP items, 10 of which were

added specifically for ICP purposes. For countries coordinated by Eurostat, the data are

currently in validation, but it can already be said that the 50 ICP items have been priced

very well by countries: most items have been priced by nearly all countries. For countries

coordinated by OECD, the timetable is slightly different and data will be transmitted at

the end of the year.

On 1 October the price collection for the second 2010 survey on "Transportation,

restaurants and hotels" started. Again, about 50 ICP products are marked in the list

(which contains in total about 350 products). Again, about 10 items were added

specifically for ICP purposes. The data will be transmitted by 15 December for countries

coordinated by Eurostat and beginning of next year by countries coordinated by OECD.

Other surveys are running their normal course. For equipment goods, we anticipate to include

extra ICP items in the 2011 survey. For construction, ICP methodology is not yet defined, so no

special preparations could be undertaken.

Eurostat will publish revised 2007, 2008 and 2009 PPPs in December 2010, following the

regular production calendar. Around the same time, OECD will publish the results of the 2008

benchmark.

31

Latin America and

the Caribbean

32

Regional Report on the Readiness for the 2011 Round in Latin America and the

Caribbean


I.a. Regional coordination team

The Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean

(UN-ECLAC) accepted the role of Regional Coordinator for Latin America and the Caribbean of

the 2011 Round of the International Comparison Programme (ICP). In contrast to the 2005

Round, in which only 10 South American countries participated, in the 2011 Round also the

Central American and Caribbean countries are expected to participate.

In the 2005 Round UN-ECLAC, together with Statistics Canada, coordinated ICP activities in

the 10 South American countries that participated. To this end, a team of technical staff and

experts of UN-ECLAC and Statistics Canada worked during two and a half years in the activities

of the ICP. The team in UN-ECLAC consisted of three full-time professional staff members, as

well as one half-time professional staff member and an assistant for logistic support (travel

arrangements, meetings, communications, etc.). On the other hand, the team at Statistics Canada

consisted of five full-time professional staff members.

The requirements of the 2011 Round activities are more demanding than in the 2005 Round, not

only due to the larger number of participating countries (which will cover the whole Latin

America and Caribbean region), but also given the reduced availability of external support by

national and international statistical organizations. At this stage, therefore, the two main

challenges faced by UN-ECLAC are, first, to secure enough funds to conduct technical meetings

and expert group meetings both in price and national accounts statistics, and secondly,

consolidate the internal team that will carry out ICP coordination and implementation activities

in the region.

The structure of the coordination team at ECLAC has initially been constituted by three Staff

Members based in Santiago, including:

The regional coordinator is the officer in charge of the National Accounts and External

Sector Statistics Unit (P4)

One staff member (P3) is responsible for national accounts activities

One staff member (G7) is responsible for price statistics activities.

In addition, there the ICP coordination team has a focal point for the Caribbean at UN-ECLAC

sub-regional office in Port of Spain.

33

Also, a consultant has been hired with World Bank funds to investigate the current state of price

and national accounts statistics in the Caribbean countries, as well as to evaluate their statistical

capacities, strengths, and weaknesses vis-à-vis ICP requirements. The consultant has held

interviews in with officials of national statistical offices and international organizations working

in price and national accounts statistics in Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Jamaica, the

Bahamas, and Belize. She will also visit St. Lucia before the end of the year, and is expected to

attend the first technical meetings on National Accounts and Price Statistics for the Caribbean

subregion, which will take place in the Bahamas from 29 November to 1 December.

The consolidation process of the regional coordination teams aims at incorporating, as soon as

possible, additional staff resources according to the structure depicted below.

I.b Advisory board

The governance structure of the ICP in Latin America and the Caribbean will be based on a dual

scheme, with an Advisory Board for Latin America constituted within the Statistical Conference

of the Americas (SCA), and an Advisory Board for the Caribbean, a role that will be assumed by

the Standing Committee of Caribbean Statisticians (SCCS). The Executive Board of the SCA,

during its 9th

Session (April 2010) appointed the following countries as members of the advisory

committee for Latin America: Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico and

Uruguay

II. Country participation

In view of the need to advance in the initial activities of the ICP according to the timeframe

established the Global Office—and specifically taking into account the requirement to conduct a

pilot price survey and to initiate the compilation of detailed national accounts statistics already in

the present year simultaneously with other regions of the World—UN-ECLAC has officially

invited the countries of the region to participate in the 2011 Round of the ICP and has organized

launching meetings in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The following tables

summarize the participation status of 20 Latin American countries and 21 Caribbean countries.

34

Summary of country participation in the 2011 Round of the ICP: Latin America

Country

Country has

been invited to

participate in the

2011 Round

A positive answer

has been

submitted by the

country

Institution

responsible for

National

Accounts

compilation Focal point for National Accounts

Institution

responsible for

Price Statistics

compilation Focal point for price statistics

1 Argentina Yes Yes NSO NSO

2 Bolivia (Plurinational State of) Yes Yes NSO Hugo Alba NSO Ramiro Sánchez

3 Brazil Yes Yes NSO Roberto Olinto Ramos NSO Eulina Nunes do Santos

4 Chile* Yes Yes BC Carmen Gloria Escoba NSO Christian Hurtado

5 Colombia Yes Yes NSO Carlos Sepúlveda NSO Eduardo Efraín Freire

6 Costa Rica Yes Yes BC Henry Vargas NSO Odette Navarro

7 Cuba Yes Yes NSO Caridad Noa NSO Raydel Ojeda

8 Dominican Republic Yes Yes BC Casilda Pérez BC María Celina Díaz

9 Ecuador Yes Yes BC Roberto Rosero NSO Galo Arias

10 El Salvador Yes Yes BC Luis Adalberto Aquino NSO Samuel Hernández

11 Guatemala Yes Yes BC Estuardo Flores NSO Luis Arroyo Gálvez

12 Haiti Yes Yes NSO NSO

13 Honduras** NA NA BC BC

14 Mexico* Yes Yes NSO Arturo Blancas Espejo NSO

15 Nicaragua Yes Yes BC Hiparco Loaisiga BC Francisco Morales

16 Panama Yes Yes NSO Gaspar Maldonado NSO Santos Pereira

17 Paraguay Yes Yes BC Miguel Mora BC

18 Peru Yes Yes NSO Arturo Camarena NSO José Alberto García

19 Uruguay Yes Yes BC Lourdes Erro NSO Gabriela Pacheco

20 Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic Of) Yes Yes BC Misael Díaz BC Magalis Figueroa

* OECD country invited as observer to the activities of the 2011 Round in Latin America and the Caribbean

** Has not been officially invited but has attended technical meetings.

35

Summary of country participation in the 2011 Round of the ICP: Caribbean

Country

Country has

been invited to

participate in the

2011 Round

A positive answer

has been

submitted by the

country

Institution

responsible for

National

Accounts

compilation Focal point for National Accounts

Institution

responsible for

Price Statistics

compilation Focal point for price statistics

1 Anguilla Yes NSO NSO

2 Antigua and Barbuda Yes *** NSO NSO

3 Aruba Yes *** NSO NSO

4 Bahamas Yes Yes NSO Clarisse Turnquest NSO Leona Wilson

5 Barbados Yes Yes NSO Denise Haddock NSO

6 Belize Yes Yes NSO NSO

7 Bermuda Yes NSO NSO

8 British Virgin Islands Yes *** NSO NSO

9 Cayman Islands Yes *** NSO NSO

10 Dominica Yes Yes NSO Lorna Prevost-Stephens NSO Lorna Prevost-Stephens

11 Grenada Yes Yes NSO Margaret Frame NSO

12 Guyana Yes NSO Sharon Kreuter NSO Shelfra Torrington

13 Jamaica Yes Yes NSO Carol Coy NSO Lorna Reid

14 Montserrat Yes *** NSO NSO

15 Nethelands Antilles Yes Yes NSO NSO Solange Bomberg

16 Saint Kitts and Nevis Yes *** NSO NSO

17 Saint Lucia Yes Yes NSO Edwin St. Catherine NSO

18 Saint Vincent and The Grenadines Yes *** NSO NSO

19 Suriname Yes Yes NSO John Sontosoemarto NSO Andreas Talea

20 Trinidad and Tobago Yes *** NSO NSO

21 Turks and Caicos Islands Yes NSO NSO

*** Although no official response has been submitted to the invitation letter, the country attended the high-level launching meeting and expressed interest in participating in the 2011 Round.

36

It is worth noting that an estimate of the number of Caribbean countries that will be able to fully

participate in the 2011 Round activities will depend on the final report of the exploratory

missions currently being carried out with the support of a consultant—given the fact that the

national statistical offices in many countries of this subregion face serious resource constraints

(both in terms of both human and financial resources) to carry out the activities required by the

ICP.

III. Funding

a. Unsuccessful fundraising proposals

i. Inter American Development Bank (Central America) – 500,000 USD

ii. Corporación Andina de Fomento (South America) – 450,000 USD

b. Granted funds

i. United Nations Development Account (Caribbean) – 391,500 USD

ii. Caribbean Development Bank (Caribbean) – 170,000 USD

iii. World Bank, Price and National Accounts Harmonization Project (Latin

America) – 76,000 USD

iv. World Bank, FY2011 Development Grant Facility (Latin America) – 150,000

USD

v. UN-ECLAC, Regular budget (Participation in EB and RC meetings)

c. Pledged funds

i. Canadian International Development Agency (Caribbean) (450,000 USD)

d. Total budget for the 2011 Round of the ICP in Latin America and the Caribbean (not

including in-kind contributions by UN-ECLAC):

i. Caribbean: 1,541,278 USD

ii. Central America: 1,123,493 USD

iii. South America: 708,210 USD

iv. Regional reporting costs: 84,940 USD

The table below provides an overview of the estimated budget for the 2011 Round in Latin

America and the Caribbean, by subregion and cost category.

37

2011 Round of the ICP in Latin America and the Caribbean: Summary of budget by regtion and type of cost

Subregion Module

National

consultants

(fees)

Seminars and

workshops

International

consultants

(fees)

Travel of

national and

international

consultants

Travel of staff Hired services TOTAL

Caribbean

21countries

Preliminary activities 178,140 26,250 35,792 33,444 273,626

Household consumption 56,000 139,750 15,276 162,280 1,000 374,306

Government consumption 70,000 48,165 5,304 54,356 1,000 178,825

Machinery and equipment 56,000 60,645 6,532 56,214 1,000 180,391

Construction 70,000 48,165 5,304 111,418 1,000 235,887

National Accounts 63,000 60,645 37,500 53,782 56,214 1,000 272,141

Estimation of regional PPPs 21,320 2,315 2,467 26,102

South

America

9 countries

Preliminary activities 14,560 2,524 17,084

Household consumption 83,320 8,534 78,638 5,500 175,992



Construction 252,000 35,000 3,994 47,938 5,500 344,432

National Accounts 94,500 30,240 3,108 61,921 5,500 195,269

Estimation of regional PPPs 15,300 15,300

Central

America

8 countries

Preliminary activities 18,360 5,176 23,536

Household consumption 42,000 56,504 10,562 83,710 5,500 198,276



Construction 112,000 25,025 3,878 24,918 5,500 171,321

National Accounts 42,000 23,975 4,472 25,512 5,500 101,459

Estimation of regional PPPs 9,058 2,083 2,235 13,376

Validation and dissemination of final results 63,940 21,000 84,940

TOTAL 1,130,500 1,054,782 63,750 177,308 950,581 81,000 3,457,921

38

IV. Regional activities / meetings

Below is a brief overview of the activities that have been carried out (or are programmed to be

carried out in the short term) with the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean

Participation by UN-ECLAC in all ICP Executive Board meetings

Participation by UN-ECLAC in all Regional Coordinators meetings

Definition of a detailed timeframe for ICP activities in Latin America and the Caribbean

Partial constitution of a technical team within UN-ECLAC

Signing of Memorandum of Understanding between UN-ECLAC and the ICP Global Office

Preparation of technical materials and documents on ICP methodology

Participation in the definition of the global core list of products

Exploratory missions to Caribbean countries (June-September 2010)

ICP launching meetings

i. Latin America (Santiago, Apil 2010), within the framework of the Executive Board of the

Statistical Conference of the Americas.

ii. Caribbean (Barbados, July 2010), with the participation of 17 countries jointly convened

by UN-ECLAC and CARICOM Secretariat

First technical meeting on price statistics

i. Central America (Mexico, July 2010), with the participation of national experts in Price

statistics from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica,

Panama, Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba, as well as the Central American Monetary

Council and UN-ECLAC.

ii. South America (Asuncion, August 2010), with the participation of Bolivia, Brazil, Chile,

Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, and Venezuela. The price statistics expert from

Uruguay could not attend due to health issues, while the national statistical office of

Argentina did not respond to the official invitation.

iii. Caribbean (to be held in Bahamas, Noviembre 2010)

First technical meeting on national accounts

i. Latin America (Santiago, September 2010), with the participation of all Latin American

countries except Haiti and Argentina.1

ii. Caribbean (to be held in Bahamas, November 2010)

1 Bilateral and South-South cooperation meetings with the representatives of Haiti have focused on National

Accounts activities.

39

Notice that the purpose of the first technical meetings on price and national accounts statistics in

the Caribbean is to allow countries in the subregion to better estimate the scope of the activities,

as well as to assess resource requirements and other implications from participating in the ICP.

The timetables of activities by subregion are provided below:

Calendar of activities in the Caribbean2011 Round of the ICP in Latin America and the Caribbean

I II III IV I II III IV I II III IV I II III IV

moduleDesc activityDescription 2010_12010_22010_32010_42011_12011_22011_32011_42012_12012_22012_32012_42013_12013_22013_32013_4

Preliminary activities Assessment of price and national accounts statistics in the Caribbean subregion 1 1 1

Preliminary activities High-level meeting to launch ICP activities in the Caribbean 1

Preliminary activities First workshop on product specifications for the Caribbean subregion 1

Preliminary activities First small working group session of 7 Caribbean countries - Group 1 1



Preliminary activities Second small working group session of 7 Caribbean countries - Group 1 1



Preliminary activities Second workshop on product specifications for the Caribbean subregion 1

Household consumption Handbook on price data collection for household consumption items for Caribbean

subregion

1 1

Household consumption Launching technical workshop on price data collection for household consumption items in

Caribbean subregion

1

Household consumption Price data collection for household consumption items in Caribbean subregion 1 1 1 1

Household consumption First workshop on validation of price data of household consumption items in Caribbean

subregion

1

Household consumption Second workshop on validation of price data of household consumption items in Caribbean

subregion

1

Household consumption Third workshop on validation of price data of household consumption items in Caribbean

subregion

1

Household consumption Fourth workshop on validation of price data of household consumption items in Caribbean

subregion

1

Government consumption Handbook on data collection for government final consumption for Caribbean subregion 1 1 1

Government consumption Launching technical workshop on data collection for government final consumption for

Caribbean subregion

1

Government consumption Data collection for government final consumption in Caribbean subregion 1 1 1 1 1

Government consumption Workshop on validation of data of government final consumption in Caribbean subregion 1

Machinery and equipment Handbook on data collection for machinery and equipment for Caribbean subregion 1 1 1

Machinery and equipment Launching technical workshop on data collection for machinery and equipment for

Caribbean subregion

1

Machinery and equipment Data collection for machinery and equipment in Caribbean subregion 1 1 1 1 1

Machinery and equipment Workshop on validation of data of machinery and equipment in Caribbean subregion 1

Construction Handbook on data collection for construction for Caribbean subregion 1 1 1

Construction Launching technical workshop on data collection for construction for Caribbean subregion 1

Construction Data collection for construction in Caribbean subregion 1 1 1 1 1

Construction Workshop on validation of data of construction in Caribbean subregion 1

National accounts Handbook on national accounts data compilation for Caribbean subregion 1 1

National accounts Launching technical workshop on national accounts data compilation for Caribbean

subregion

1

National accounts National accounts data compilation in Caribbean subregion 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

National accounts Workshop on validation of national accounts data in Caribbean subregion 1

Estimation of regional PPPs Seminar on preliminary results for Caribbean subregion 1

2010 2011 2012 2013

40

Calendar of activities in Central America2011 Round of the ICP in Latin America and the Caribbean



Preliminary activities First workshop on product specifications for the Central American subregion 1

Household consumption Handbook on price data collection for household consumption items for Central American

subregion

1 1


Central American subregion

1

Household consumption Price data collection for household consumption items in Central American subregion 1 1 1 1

Household consumption First workshop on validation of price data of household consumption items in Central

American subregion

1

Household consumption Second workshop on validation of price data of household consumption items in Central

American subregion

1

Household consumption Third workshop on validation of price data of household consumption items in Central

American subregion

1

Household consumption Fourth workshop on validation of price data of household consumption items in Central

American subregion

1

Government consumption Handbook on data collection for government final consumption for Central American

subregion

1 1


Central American subregion

1

Government consumption Data collection for government final consumption in Central American subregion 1 1 1 1

Government consumption Workshop on validation of data of government final consumption in Central American

subregion

1

Machinery and equipment Handbook on data collection for machinery and equipment for Central American subregion 1 1

Machinery and equipment Launching technical workshop on data collection for machinery and equipment for Central

American subregion

1

Machinery and equipment Data collection for machinery and equipment in Central American subregion 1 1 1 1

Machinery and equipment Workshop on validation of data of machinery and equipment in Central American

subregion

1

Construction Handbook on data collection for construction for Central American subregion 1 1

Construction Launching technical workshop on data collection for construction for Central American

subregion

1

Construction Data collection for construction in Central American subregion 1 1 1 1

Construction Workshop on validation of data of construction in Central American subregion 1

National accounts Handbook on national accounts data compilation for Central American subregion 1 1

National accounts Launching technical workshop on national accounts data compilation for Central American

subregion

1

National accounts National accounts data compilation in Central American subregion 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

National accounts Second technical workshop on national accounts data compilation for Central American

subregion

1

National accounts Workshop on validation of national accounts data in Central American subregion 1

Estimation of regional PPPs Seminar on preliminary results for Central American subregion 1

2010 2011 2012 2013

41

V. Product list

Currently UN-ECLAC is working with Latin American countries in the analysis of the global

cores list, maintaining a close communication regarding the concepts of availability and

importance of the products in it. Also, the Harmonized CPI basket is being updated in order to

identify complementary products for the regional core list. It is expected that all products that are

available in at least 8 countries of the region will be included in the regional core list with their

detailed specifications (varieties).This will also incorporate the structures of the new bases for

CPIs in the region that have been introduced between 2005 and 2009.Both activities are being

carried out with CPI country teams, and are expected to conclude with the review of the global

core list by the end of October 2010 and the definition of a regional core list by the end of

November 2010.

Together with the analysis of the global and regional core lists, UN-ECLAC is currently engaged

in the review and comparison of various national typologies of establishments for price data

collection, in order to determine a common list of comparable types of establishments in the

region. Also, countries are working in the compilation of images of products in the global core

Calendar of activities in South America2011 Round of the ICP in Latin America and the Caribbean



Preliminary activities First workshop on product specifications for the South American subregion 1

Household consumption Handbook on price data collection for household consumption items for South American

subregion

1 1


South American subregion

1

Household consumption Price data collection for household consumption items in South American subregion 1 1 1 1

Household consumption First workshop on validation of price data of household consumption items in South

American subregion

1

Household consumption Second workshop on validation of price data of household consumption items in South

American subregion

1

Household consumption Third workshop on validation of price data of household consumption items in South

American subregion

1

Household consumption Fourth workshop on validation of price data of household consumption items in South

American subregion

1

Government consumption Handbook on data collection for government final consumption for South American

subregion

1 1


South American subregion

1

Government consumption Data collection for government final consumption in South American subregion 1 1 1 1

Government consumption Workshop on validation of data of government final consumption in South American

subregion

1

Machinery and equipment Handbook on data collection for machinery and equipment for South American subregion 1 1

Machinery and equipment Launching technical workshop on data collection for machinery and equipment for South

American subregion

1

Machinery and equipment Data collection for machinery and equipment in South American subregion 1 1 1 1

Machinery and equipment Workshop on validation of data of machinery and equipment in South American subregion 1

Construction Handbook on data collection for construction for South American subregion 1 1

Construction Launching technical workshop on data collection for construction for South American

subregion

1

Construction Data collection for construction in South American subregion 1 1 1 1

Construction Workshop on validation of data of construction in South American subregion 1

National accounts Handbook on national accounts data compilation for South American subregion 1 1

National accounts Launching technical workshop on national accounts data compilation for South American

subregion

1

National accounts National accounts data compilation in South American subregion 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

National accounts Second technical workshop on national accounts data compilation for South American

subregion

1

National accounts Workshop on validation of national accounts data in South American subregion 1

Estimation of regional PPPs Seminar on preliminary results for South American subregion 1

2010 2011 2012 2013

42

lists, as well as images of the best candidate products for the regional core list, including product

dimensions and description.

VI. National accounts

Activities in the field of national accounts have mainly focused on the collection and

systematization of metadata on current country methodologies and information on data

availability. The results of this metadata collection activities, which include various

questionnaires submitted to the countries as well as consultations carried out during country

missions and regional technical meetings, will be part of a status report on national accounts

statistics to be presented in the ECLAC’s Annual Seminar on National Accounts for Latin

America and the Caribbean in Lima, Peru, from 9 to 12 November 2010.

In addition, the national accounts framework of the ICP has been presented to and discussed with

the countries of Latin America during the first technical meeting on National Accoutns that took

place in Santiago from 28 to 30 September 2010. In the Caribbean region, various country visits

have been carried out with the support of a consultant funded by the World Bank, which have

resulted in detailed information on the status of their National Accounts.

VII. Operational materials

Significant support has been provided by the Global Office to translate technical documents and

operational materials into Spanish, including National Accounts data compilation forms that

were distributed to the Latin American countries.Other materials have been translated and

disseminated by ECLAC, including power point presentations, product specifications of the

global core list, and a document on the National Accounts Framework for National Accounts.

Inputs have also been provided by ECLAC to produce the Spanish version of the software tools

currently being developed by the Global Office.

VIII. Country readiness for 2011 activities

Although there has been significant progress in the elaboration of the regional product list, at this

point it has not been possible yet to establish with high degree of detail the preparedness status at

the individual country level, particularly in relation to price collection capabilities (in terms of

local resources and organization) in the Latin American region.2 In this regard, a technical

meeting on price data collection strategies will be held in Santiago from 23 to 25 November.

Regarding National Accounts data and metadata compilation, the general assessment is that

while national teams have a solid basis in terms of local expertise and knowledge of compilation

2 Countries in the Caribbean region will collect prices during 2012 instead of 2011.

43

methodologies, it is unlikely that countries are in a position to fully comply with the original

deadlines proposed by the Global Office for national accounts data submission.

Countries have expressed their concerns due to lack of staff and financial resources to

consolidate their national ICP teams. In addition, many Latin American countries face an

additional coordination challenge given the fact that two different institutions are often

responsible for compiling price statistics and national accounts (usually national statistical

offices and central banks, respectively).While ECLAC, in its role as Regional Coordinating

agency, has engaged in a continuous effort to facilitate information sharing and coordination

between all institutions that constitute the national statistical system in each country, there is a

clear need to strengthen these efforts and to provide more opportunities for coordination not only

at the international level but also within countries.

In terms of the level of institutional commitment to participate in the ICP, the results are mixed.

While the response to the official invitation to participate in the 2011 Round, as well as

willingness to participate in regional technical meetings, has been very positive –in the case of

the Caribbean, for instance, there is consensus among Heads of Statistical Offices on the

strategic importance of being part of the ICP as a region—the process of signing Memoranda of

Understanding has not yielded concrete results, mainly due to the uncertainty faced by the

national authorities in terms of availability of funds to sustain the entire ICP programme.

44

Western Asia

45

Regional Report on Readiness for the 2011 Round of the International comparison

Program in Western Asia Region

I. Coordination Aspects:

• The ICP Regional Office for 2011 round in western Asia Region has been established in

August 2009, constituting of an ESCWA representative, a Regional Coordinator, a

Program Manager, and support staff;

• The ICP Regional Office for WA will build on the 2005 round experience in terms of

regional organizational architecture, maintaining a Regional Executive Board for regional

evaluation, decision taking and promotion of program results;

• The Regional Office includes expertise on Prices, National Accounts, and experience in

the implementation of the 2005 ICP round;

• The Regional Advisory Board was formed during the first regional meeting for launching

the 2011 round in WA region, in July 2010. The Regional Advisory Board consists of 5

countries including Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Palestine and Yemen, and will be headed by

Oman as the Chair of the Board, whose responsibility will include promoting the ICP and

addressing related issues in the region such as fund-raising, outreach and visibility. (See

Annex I for detailed Terms of Reference).

II. Country Participation:

• Invitations to ESCWA member countries to join the 2011 round were sent early

September 2009;

• Positive willingness and readiness to join was reflected by all 14 member states, and

participation of all 14 countries was confirmed during the first regional meeting in July

2010;

• Main challenge among most of the countries in the participation in the 2011 round is lack

of sufficient funds at the national level, and the need for financial resources required for

conducting the surveys and implementing the program;

• Egypt and Sudan would be participants in both Africa and Western Asia regions.

46

III. Funding:

• The total regional budget required for the implementation of the 2011 ICP round in

Western Asia Region amounts to around 2 million dollars, for a period of 4 years, as

follows:

Year 2010 2011 2012 2013

Required Yearly Budget $ 361,000 $ 936,000 $ 452,000 $ 271,000

IsDB Contribution $ 200,000 - - -

ESCWA contribution $ 70,000 $ 140,000 $ 140,000 $ 120,000

Yearly deficit $ 91,000 $ 796,000 $ 312,000 $ 151,000

IV. Regional Activities/Meetings:

• ESCWA conducted the first high level meeting for launching the 2011 ICP round in

Western Asia Region, on July 20, 2010. The meeting aimed at bringing together Heads of

NSOs of ESCWA member countries, or their representatives, to meet and participate in

learning about the developments in the new 2011 round of the program and the

governance structure, and to participate in sharing views about national commitments and

fundraising strategies. The meeting also aimed at forming the ICP Regional Advisory

Board for the 2011 ICP round and discussing regional work plan and budget;

• ESCWA held the first Regional ICP workshop for the 2011 round in Western Asia

Region during July 21-22, 2010. The objective of the workshop was to bring together the

ICP national coordinators of ESCWA member countries for the 2011 round to meet with

ESCWA and the World Bank, and participate in learning about the methodological

developments of the program in its new round, the global and regional preparations, and

the working plan at the global and regional levels. The workshop also aimed at tackling

and reviewing the structural arrangements at the national level and the technical issues

concerning the survey framework, national accounts, list of products and others relevant

matters;

• ESCWA will hold the second Regional ICP workshop for the 2011 round in Western

Asia Region during October 4-7, 2010. The 2nd ICP regional workshop will tackle two

important elements, one of which is the development of the regional product list, and the

other is an introduction to the initial National Accounts activities on several aspects;

• ESCWA will hold the third Regional ICP workshop for the 2011 round in Western Asia

Region during December 2010. The 4th, 5th and 6th regional workshops will be held

during 2011 successive to each quarter to tackle price collection issues and validation.

Field visits are also intended to be conducted to country offices and outlets during 2011;

47

V. Progress with Product List:

• ESCWA reviewed the Global Core list on two stages, once with the World Bank and

other regions in the RC meeting, and once with Western Asia member countries.

ESCWA sent all its comments, revisions and suggestions to the WB by August 6, 2010,

and the last version was adopted after it was confirmed and finalized by the Global

Office;

• ESCWA included the last version of the GCL within the Regional Product List which

was updated, and which the countries will review together with ESCWA during the

second regional workshop in order to develop and finalize;

• The matrix of availability and importance was filled in by all the member countries. The

matrix was reviewed by ESCWA together with the countries, in the presence of the WB,

during the first regional workshop. The matrices were then adjusted and modified as per

revisions, and all 14 matrices were finalized and compiled together in one table, and sent

to the Global Office on August 6, 2010.

VI. Progress with National Accounts:

• ESCWA compiled the data received on major NA aggregates for all of the 14 member

countries, for the last available year for each, and the data was sent to the Global Office

by September 3, 2010;

• ESCWA is already compiling the NA details at the Basic Heading level for all of the 14

member countries, according to the last year available. However, few countries are still in

the process and have not yet provided their data;

• ESCWA will provide the Global Office with the compiled NA details at BH level by the

end of September 2010, at most.

VII. Operational Materials:

• ESCWA, in coordination with the WB, is assuring that all of the operational material be

in both English and Arabic languages, as translation is being conducted on the spot;

• The Global Core List and the Regional Product List are both translated and the lists will

be available in both English and Arabic languages;

• Guidelines and operational material on national accounts is also being translated, and is

being distributed to member countries in their native speaking language, the Arabic

Language.

48

VIII. Country Readiness for 2011 activities:

• Most of ESCWA 14 member countries are ready to start 2011 activities, whether in terms

of overall project planning, price surveys or National Accounts.

49

Annex 1. Terms of Reference: Regional Governance Framework for Western Asia Region

The Regional Advisory Board (RAB) is established to oversee the implementation of the

Western Asia component of the 2011 round of the International Comparison Program (ICP

2011).

Membership of the RAB

The Board includes representatives of national and regional stakeholders. It is composed of the

following members:

All the Heads of National Statistical Offices;

The Director in charge of statistics at the UN-ESCWA;

One member co-opted from each of the 2 major statistical training institutes in the

region;

All major financiers of the Western Asia ICP 2011 program whose individual

financial contribution accounts for at least 10% of the overall budget of the program;

The ICP Global Manager of the World Bank, ex-officio member; and

The Regional Coordinator, ex-officio member.

Long-term unavailability and resignation should be notified early enough to allow the Board to

identify and designate a substitute. The replacement shall be done in such a way as to maintain as

much as possible the composition of the RAB.

Once elected, members of the Board are expected to attend the meetings of the Board. However,

a member can be occasionally replaced by another person from the same institution of the

member with delegated authority.

Role and responsibilities of the RAB

While the RAB will not be involved in the day-to-day management of the ICP in the region and

it will not be an executive body, it has the following responsibilities:

Provide guidance in setting-up regional goals, priorities and objectives, taking into

consideration the statistical needs of the ESCWA member countries;

Assist the Regional Coordinator in raising financial resources for the regional

program;

Promote the ICP in the region through appropriate advocacy campaigns;

Reach out to the main users of ICP statistics, with specific focus on policy makers;

Review the annual work programs prepared by the Regional Coordinator who is

responsible for the day-to-day management of the regional program;

Provide appropriate mechanism for keeping all parties involved and informed;

Review the annual reports on ICP progress prepared by the Regional Coordinator;

50

Ensure that the program is effectively implemented as a statistical capacity building

initiative;

Advise on the sustainability of the program; and

Assist in shaping the vision of ICP for future direction in the region.

Chair of the RAB

The Chair of the Board:

Presides over the RAB meetings;

Ensures the implementation of decisions taken by the RAB;

Represents the RAB wherever needed;

Undertakes any additional responsibilities when required by the RAB;

Liaises between the member/s of the Global ICP Executive Board representing the

Western Asia region and the Regional Coordinator;

Shall be willing to play a major role in the ICP and to dedicate the necessary time and

resources for that;

Is proactive and takes advantage of his/her missions abroad and his/her role in the

international statistical community to promote the ICP and address related issues in

the region such as fund-raising, outreach and visibility.

The Chair of the RAB shall lead it for the duration of the whole ICP 2011 round. The

Chairperson will regularly report on progresses made in the implementation of the program,

obstacles and the ways forward to the meetings of the ESCWA Statistical Committee and its

Regional Working Group.

Designation of the Chair of the Regional Advisory Board

The Chair of the RAB is elected among the members who meet the following criteria:

Be a Director General of a National Statistical Office of one of the 14 member

countries of ESCWA;

Have an international reputation and should be a prominent player in the international

statistical community;

Have prior knowledge of ICP and previous experience as part of the Executive Board

to ensure familiarity with the roles and responsibilities of the RAB;

Be able to liaise regularly with UN-ESCWA and the Global Office on ICP matters;

Be able to liaise with the World Bank when needed, within the context of

international statistical meetings to avoid extra travel costs;

Be willing to play a major role in the ICP and to dedicate the necessary time and

resources for that; and

Be able to support ESCWA with some logistics for the meetings

51

Meetings

The RAB shall meet at least once a year when convened by the chairperson. The meetings will

take place on the fringe of prominent regional meetings such as ESCWA Statistical Committee

meetings or other regional events.

The cost related to the participation to RAB meetings of Board members shall be borne by their

respective organizations, unless otherwise agreed with the UN-ESCWA.

Decision-making Process

The decisions of the RAB, including the election of the Chairperson and the members of its

Bureau, shall be taken preferably by consensus. In case of any blockage, votes may be organized

and decisions taken by the relative majority. In case of a tie, the Chairperson shall have the

deciding vote.

Organs of the RAB

To ensure a smooth implementation of its functions, the RAB has the following organs: the

Executive Board and the Secretariat.

The Executive Board (EB) will include selected members of the RAB who are willing to carry

over RAB activities beyond the regular meetings of the RAB. The EB will consist of five

members led by the Chair of the RAB.

The Bureau will meet at least twice a year, back-to-back with regional meetings if possible, to

review in more details the budget, the work plan, and program activities. The BAB will support

the Regional Coordinator in its coordination efforts with global and regional partners, promoting

program visibility and outreach, and preparing fund-raising strategy.

For effectiveness sake, in the interim period between two RAB meetings, the Chairperson will

consult with the BAB by written procedure or convene special meetings of the Bureau. Any

decision thus reached shall be communicated in writing to all the RAB members no later than 7

days after the Bureau has met or a written discussion has taken place.

The ICP Coordinator shall ensure the secretariat for the RAB meetings. He/she shall write

minutes and correspondence, keep files and archives of the RAB.

Documents

Regional Progress Reports - World Bank · the Global Office (GO) and the 2005 ICP-Africa items list, the presentation of the 2011 ICP Quality Assurance Check Lists, the ICP Software