1. Sub-Regional Workshop on International Merchandise Trade Statistics Compilation and Export and Import Unit Value Indices 21 – 25 November Guam Reef & Olive Spa Resort, Tamuning, Guam SESSION 3: COUNTRY PRESENTATIONS WRAP-UP Presentation by Nilima Lal and Rens Hendriks Economic Statistician, Pacific Community

2. Country presentations wrap-up
Topic: Progress made since the workshop conducted on November 2012 in Noumea, New Caledonia
Only FSM and Nauru have made progress.
Countries present here excluding Guam, can be put in 3 categories:
Category 1 – FSM and Nauru: strengthen
Category 2 – CNMI and Guam: improve
Category 3 – RMI: start
Suggestions:
Question: Are Users in your country happy with the trade statistics you produce?
Answer:
Stocktake of why we produce statistics
Stocktake of what is available
Call stakeholder meeting
Take action.

3. Country presentations wrap-up cont…
2. Question: Where is the trade data sourced from?
Answer: The last option, use partner country data.
3. Question: What is the coverage and scope of IMTS?
Answer: Refine as you go along.
4. Question: What are the processing/IT System used by the NSO and Customs?
Answer: Use programs you know e.g. excel.
5. Question: What Classification(s) do you use for your trade statistics?
Answer: Should follow WCOs HS. HS17 should be implemented 1/1/17. OCO has planned to regionalise the HS which then would allow all PICTs to adopt.

4. Country presentations wrap-up cont…
6. Question: How do you value your imports and exports?
Answer: Ms cif and Xs fob is generally followed.
7. Question: What procedures do you have in place to edit/clean the data?
Answer: For countries that have issues, I suggest you request SPC for a TA mission.
8. Question: What information is disseminated and how is it disseminated and what is the frequency of the dissemination?
Answer: Need to improve frequency.
9. Question: Do you construct trade indices?
Answer: Once you have compiled IMTS (quantity important), SPC can be contacted for a TA in this.