Opening session – ESCWA

• opening remarks
• role of workshop in ESCWA programs
• background and objectives
• introduction of workshop participants

I. Characteristics of the services sector– overview - consultant

• importance of services and trade in services in the economy
• key distinctions: trade in services vs. trade in goods
• production characteristics - modes of supply
• BOP, WTO, GATT and GATS

Discussion

II. Classifications, statistical concepts and methods associated with international trade in services- consultant/ IMF-METAC/ UNSD

• BPM5 and its updates- IMF
• tourism satellite accounts – overview- consultant
• MSITS worldwide consultation and modes of supply- UNSD
• BOP, eBOPs, CPC & ISIC - UNSD
• residency of transactors- IMF
• recording and valuation of transactions- IMF
• statistics by trading partner- UNSD

Discussion

Country presentations

III. Data collection strategies -

• overview of data sources and survey methodology in ESCWA region (mode 1 & 2) – ESCWA
• enterprise surveys consultant
• international transactions reporting systems (ITRS)- consultant
• administrative data- consultant
• migration statistics- consultant
• population/household surveys consultant
• data sources used for balance of payments statistics consultant

Discussion

IV. ESCWA questionnaires - consultant  

1. Cross-border transactions (mode 1)

• products (eBOPs)
• major trading partners
• currency
• special cases
• transportation
• travel and tourism
• government services
• insurance
• internet transactions

2. Traveller survey (mode 2)

• concepts and definitions
• data sources
• data characteristics
• special cases:
• education
• health care

V. Discussion and exercises- consultant

• detailed review of questionnaires
• how to compile questionnaires
• special needs of ESCWA countries
• good practices

• micro-data analysis
• BOP asymmetries - counterpart data

VII. International standards

• UNSD database requirements - UNSD
• IMF initiatives related to data quality- IMF

VIII. Prospects for trade in services statistics – consultant, UNSD,IMF & ESCWA

• recommendations/current priorities- – consultant
• areas where improvements are needed- UNSD & IMF
• future work- ESCWA

IX. Questions and answers

X. Conclusions and recommendations - ESCWA