1. UNECA, Addis Ababa 5-7 October 2011 OZOH.J.OSADEBE

2.  The mandate of the external trade statistics  Sources of data  Data processing  Data dissemination  Challenges

3.  The Research and Statistics Directorate of ECOWAS COMMISSION has the mandate to: a. Produce and update the External Trade Statistics Regional database b. Compile and review External Trade Statistics on a monthly basis c. Harmonies Member State External Trade Statistics in best practices d. Produce External Trade Statistics on a quarterly and annual basis e. Respond to data requests on External Trade Statistics f. Update ECOWAS website with External Trade Statistics g. Publish an annual compendium of External Trade Statistics

4.  The main source of data is Data from Member States;(Data from Customs and Preventive Service and other related establishments)  Exchange rate data from international organs

5.  Data is imported and stored into the derived dataset  Data is generated using the Comext standalone

6.  Dissemination is done through External Trade Publication, ECOWAS Website and upon requests

7.  The main challenges:  Data Management techniques  Harmonization of varied aspect of customs procedures  Delays in obtaining data from member states