1. Development of the Virtual Statistical System Task Team Status Report Misha Belkindas Convener

2. Background Aim is to develop a web-based portal for use by developing countries Provide knowledge on statistical systems from a variety of sources, using a common format Help countries assess their statistical systems and developing improvement plans Task Team formed at last Steering Committee Led by World Bank, includes Eurostat, IMF and Development Gateway Foundation

3. Progress Basic structure of the portal designed Uses existing and published classifications Development Gateway Foundation produced mock-up version Discussions still ongoing, input from others welcome

6. Work Plan for Task Force Review and discuss existing documentation for design of VSS Engage statistical agencies of developing countries Agree on scope A pure portal (using only existing information, without new content) A rough guide to official statistics (content created to provide interpretive guidance to existing information) A more comprehensive website, with new content to fill in gaps in information Development Gateway to work on design of portal

7. Decisions requested from the Steering Committee Does the Steering Committee agree with: 1.The proposed work plan 2.The enlargement of the existing Task Team, to include additional agencies, and countries 3.The allocation of P21 resources to support the work plan