16.6. The identification of mode 4 movements and stocks in existing sources is a new area of work. The present Guide suggests dealing with that issue in stages. For incoming and outgoing mode 4 movements, compilers should take into account the needs of users (in particular for categories of primary interest) and the various possibilities and drawbacks of each data source.
16.7. As a starting point, it is suggested to compile rough estimates of the size of mode 4 movements in terms of the number of natural persons or, if easier, to collect data on the number of trips. This could be done if appropriate sources are identified, grossed up or estimated using an appropriate data model. However, the objective is to have more pertinent and detailed data on the number of persons. Breakdowns by purpose, type of service supplied, country of origin or destination should be compiled for inbound and outbound flows and stocks. To enhance the usefulness of the compiled data, they should be produced, in the long run, with a breakdown by length of stay and occupation/skills of individuals (e.g., using the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) 2008 or the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) 2011).
16.8. Compilers should strive to obtain, as a first priority, information for the mode 4 categories of persons that are of most interest to their economies (generally, contractual service suppliers, whether employees or self-employed, or intracorporate transferees), whether incoming or outgoing. This could be done by analysing information needs. A longer-term goal would be to obtain data for all mode 4 categories and all service sectors, both for incoming and outgoing persons/trips, thereby enabling overall international comparisons.
16.9. The compilation of mode 2 data on inbound and outbound flows of persons should be given more priority than the compilation of data on stocks, except if the latter is deemed necessary for specific services sectors or categories of persons (for example, education/students or health/medical patients). Data should be broken down by purpose of movement, type of service consumed (using EBOPS 2010) and destination/origin of persons or trips. Although of lower priority in the context of MSITS 2010, a breakdown according to length of stay could be compiled.
16.10. For modes 4 and 2 quantitative indicators, it is good practice to concentrate on obtaining annual statistics first, as they should be sufficient to serve most analytical and monitoring needs. If, in future, compilers identify the need for more frequent statistics, their compilation could be envisaged but possibly at a less detailed level.
16.11. Given the policy relevance of such information, compilers are encouraged to analyse the national possibilities for compiling trade in services data by enterprise characteristics by linking trade in services data with information drawn from the SBR. Although foreseen as a longer term objective, compilers should keep in mind the need for additional indicators in relation to services trade analysis and negotiations. Such indicators should be identified in collaboration with users, but some suggested indicators, to serve as a starting point, are listed in section D. Given that this information is linked with the needs of other statistical frameworks, the present Guide strongly advices that trade in services compilers cooperate with compilers in charge of data collection and compilation in the respective statistics domains.
Next: C. Mode 2 and mode 4 movements and stays