The Statistics Newsletter for the extended OECD statistical network

Issue No. 52, July 2011 www.oecd.org/std/statisticsnewsletter

The OECD Better Life Initiative

The Environmental Goods and Services Sector (EGSS): A New Approach to the Environment Industry by Statistics Austria

Francisco Labbé – The New National Director of the National Statistical Institute of Chile

Backcasting Using Conversion Matrices: Towards a Tool for Error Estimation by the National Statistical Institute of Spain

STATISTICSStatistics ESTONIA Estonia

Poland

Central Statistical Office of CELEBRATESPOLISH ITS 90TH EU ANNIVERSARYPRESIDENCY 2 THE STATISTICS NEWSLETTER - OECD - Issue No. 52, July 2011

Contents

3 The OECD Better Life Initiative Romina Boarini, Measuring Well-being and Progress, OECD Statistics Directorate

5 The Environmental Goods and Services Sector (EGSS): A New approach to the Environment Industry Eva Milota, Statistics Austria

9 Francisco Labbé – The New National Director Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas (INE) (Chile)

10 Backcasting Using Conversion Matrices: Towards a Tool for Error Estimation Ignacio Arbués, Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE) (Spain)

13 Statistics Estonia Celebrates its 90th Anniversary Statistics Estonia

15 Polish EU Presidency Central Statistical Office of Poland, Presidency Team

18 Recent publications

19 Forthcoming meetings

The Statistics Newsletter is published by the OECD Statistics Directorate.

This issue and previous issues can be downloaded from the OECD website: www.oecd.org/std/statisticsnewsletter

Editor-in-Chief: Martine Durand Editor: David Brackfield Editorial and technical: Sonia Primot, Kate Raggett

For further information contact: the Editor, the Statistics Newsletter, [email protected]

Readers are invited to send their articles or comments to the email address above.

Deadline for articles for the next issue: 25th August 2011 Issue No. 52, July 2011 - THE STATISTICS NEWSLETTER - OECD 3

Measuring well-being and progress The OECD Better Life Initiative

Romina Boarini, Measuring Well-being and Progress, OECD Statistics Directorate

his year the OECD celebrates •• a comprehensive publication, in achievements between people its 50th anniversary. Since its How’s Life?, presenting with different characteristics. Texistence, the Organisation a selection of well-being Looking at inequalities is important has worked to help governments indicators, to be released because «averages» provide a very of member countries deliver good October 2011; incomplete picture of well-being of policies and improve the economic •• a preview of the How’s Life? different groups in the population, well-being of nations. The health of publication, the Compendium especially so because achievements economies is primordial. But what of OECD Well‑Being Indicators, tend to be strongly correlated across ultimately matters is the well-being released at the Forum; and dimensions (e.g. people with good of citizens. •• the interactive, web‑based tool education tend to access better «Your Better Life Index» (www. jobs, earn higher income, have better Measuring well-being represents oecdbetterlifeindex.org). housing conditions, live longer, etc.). however a considerable challenge. First, because well-being is Another feature of the framework used multi‑dimensional, as living a good in these two reports is its emphasis life depends on many factors. on both objective and subjective Secondly, because comparing aspects of well-being. Objective well‑being across countries requires measures are needed in this type defining common metrics for a set of analysis, as well-being is strongly of dimensions that are relevant influenced by living circumstances for all countries analysed, not an (e.g. overcrowding of dwelling, easy task given that culture and availability of a job, air pollution, institutional contexts may influence etc.). Subjective indicators provide these dimensions. Third, because complementary information on a comparative assessment of aspects of well‑being which can only well‑being requires a large amount be measured through self‑reported of comparable data in many domains The Compendium of OECD feelings and appreciations (e.g. and existing indicators are often far Well‑Being Indicators (www. life satisfaction). Considering both from ideal. oecd.org/document/28/0,374 objective and subjective indicators ,en_2649_201185_47916764_1_1 allow to understand what drives The OECD work on Measuring _1_1,00.htm) and How’s Life? offer objective and subjective well-being Progress and Well-Being (www. an overview of well-being in OECD and how these are intertwined. oecd.org/measuringprogress) has countries, and selected emerging been addressing these issues in the economies by looking at eleven This framework is based both on last few years. Over the past year, dimensions of well-being: income theory (e.g. the report from the many efforts have been devoted to and wealth, jobs and earnings, Stiglitz-Sen‑Fitoussi Commission on consolidate previous reflections and housing, health status, education Measuring Economic Performance to assemble the data necessary to and skills, work and life balance, civic and Social Progress) and practice conduct such an ambitious exercise. engagement and governance, social in many OECD countries. It has These efforts have led to the OECD connections, personal security, been discussed with the OECD Better Life Initiative, launched by the environmental quality and subjective Committee on Statistics, particularly OECD Secretary-General on 24 May well-being. with respect to the choice of the at the 2011 OECD Forum. The Better indicators. Indicators have been Life Initiative includes three main These two reports put a strong focus notably selected for their relevance areas of work: on people and households, reporting (e.g. policy amenable, easy to on both «average achievements» interpret, etc.), their good quality in each country and inequalities (e.g. most of them comes from official 4 THE STATISTICS NEWSLETTER - OECD - Issue No. 52, July 2011

statistics) and their comparability will require measures of the asset cross-country. base of our economies and societies.

The Compendium of OECD Well‑Being Indicators and How’s Life? analyse many aspects of well-being and their determinants, with the twofold objective of informing policy-making and moving forward the statistical agenda.

However, the OECD Better Life Initiative also recognises the big demand for summarising well-being information into one headline indicator, which is easier to interprete and can potentially send a stronger message on well-being patterns. Composite indicators respond to this demand but are often On-going research on criticised because of the arbitrary audiences: statisticians, policy- measuring well-being and weights used to balance the various makers and the general public, as progress components. To overcome the each of its tools is conceived to issue of arbitrary weights, but also meet the specifi c needs of these for almost 10 years, the oeCd has because weights may vary across audiences. Third, the OECD plans been looking beyond the functioning countries and people, the OECD to use the information collected of the economic system to the diverse has created Your Better Life Index through the sharing of Your Better experiences and living conditions of (www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org), an Life Index to orient its future efforts people and households. Measuring interactive composite index of well- towards improving the measurement well-being and progress is a key being that combines information on of those aspects of well-being that priority that the oeCd is pursuing the eleven dimensions of well-being count most to people. through research, dissemination of listed above, and which allow users existing data via the oeCd better life to rate these dimensions according The OECD Better Life Initiative has initiative and key events such as the to their own preferences. As a result, so far generated a lot of interest, oeCd world forum on “statistics, users can build their own ranking of attracting a large number of visits Knowledge and policies”. this brochure countries and see which countries and media contacts. During its fi rst provides background information on offer the highest quality of life, week of life last May, the Better Life these three streams of work being led according to what matters most to Initiative attracted around 300000 by the oeCd statistics directorate. them. Users can also share their people from all over the world through Index with their friends and with the more than 2300 sources and media; M EA SURING OECD. This web application is also about 19000 people shared their WELL-BEING AND PROGRESS a gateway to the OECD work more Better Life Index. Many challenges 1 On-going research on For almost 10 years, the OECD has been looking beyond the functioning measuring well-being of the economic system to the diverse experiences and living conditions and progress of people and households. Measuring well-being and progress is a key » Material living priority that the OECD is pursuing through research, dissemination of conditions » Quality of life existing data via the OECD Better Life Initiative and key events such as generally, as the public can fi nd a remain, however, for the future: » Sustainability the OECD World Forum on “Statistics, Knowledge and Policies”. This brochure provides background information on these three streams 6 Dissemination: The of work being led by the OECD Statistics Directorate. OECD Better Life Initiative

7 Key events wealth of OECD data and analysis extending the range of indicators “Measuring Progress of Societies, […] has become fundamental for development 7 Related initiatives and policy-making in general. Improving the quality of our lives should be the ultimate target of public policies. But public policies can only deliver best fruit if they are based 8 Further reading on reliable tools to measure the improvement they seek to produce in our lives.”

Angel Gurría, OECD Secretary-General, and have it for free. to additional aspects of well-being; 24 May 2011, OECD Forum 2011, Paris On-going research on measuring well-being increasing the quality of the data, and progress The measuring well-being and progress agenda calls for improved and new statistics, aimed at complementing standard economic statistics (which are mainly focused on measuring the volume of market activity and related macro-economic statistics) and developing indicators that have a more direct bearing on people’s life. This work can be grouped under the three conceptual pillars of the OECD Measuring The OECD Better Life Initiative especially for dimensions (e.g. social Well-being and Progress Framework which draws on previous OECD work, the Stiglitz-Sen-Fitoussi report (2009) and on-going national and international initiatives (see Box: “Understanding the issues).

» Material living conditions » Quality of life innovates in many respects. First, connections, security) where offi cial » Sustainibiliy it is the fi rst time that comparable statistics are less developed; and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development evidence on such a broad range better taking into account inequalities of well-being components is within the population. Finally, produced for the 34 OECD member another important development will our new brochure is available at www. countries. Second, the initiative consist in developing indicators on oecd.org/dataoecd/61/26/48299306. has the potential to foster a debate the sustainability of current living pdf on well-being among different conditions and quality of life; this Issue No. 52, July 2011 - THE STATISTICS NEWSLETTER - OECD 5

Statistics austria The Environmental Goods and Services Sector (EGSS): A new approach to the environment industry

Eva Milota, Statistics Austria

ince the early 1990s the In response to these needs, the In the absence of a standard increasing awareness of OECD and Eurostat in 1995- classification like NACE, the Senvironmental issues is 1996 laid the foundation for the environment industry consists of also reflected by the search for harmonised calculation of data on activities which produce goods and environmentally friendly production the environment industry. In 1998 the services to measure, prevent, limit, processes, technologies and handbook «The Environment Industry minimise or correct environmental products. The production of goods Manual - Proposed guidelines for damage to water, air and soil, and and equipment, the provision of the collection and analysis of data eco-systems as well as problems construction works and services on the Environment Industry» was of waste, noise. The industry also in the context of environmental presented. includes cleaner technologies, protection constitute economic products and services that reduce activities that gain more importance Following these guidelines Statistics environmental risk and minimise from year to year. For this Austria, in consultation with the pollution and resource use. The core reason, specialists in advanced Institute for Economic Research area of the environment industry was environmental technologies and (WIFO), implemented in the years – according to the 1998 guidelines services emerge that are designated 1997 and 1998 the collection of data issued by the OECD and Eurostat as environment industries. to show the economic influence of – the protection of the environment the so-called environment industry. from pollution. In this changing context, policy makers have expressed a strong This industry has grown significantly Over the past years an increased interest in the environment industry, in the past twenty years. It should awareness of preserving natural since it is perceived as a new growth continue to grow in the future as resources has been noticeable; as sector which generates wealth, emerging issues such as the level a result, a considerable change in creates jobs and plays an important of greenhouse gas emissions or the structure of the environmental role in the transition of economies the consumption of resources are sector has been taking place with a towards sustainable development. addressed. The environment industry shift from «end-of-pipe» to «clean» is not a traditional industry sector environmental technologies. To This policy interest has raised and is not currently defined in the display this development in a numerous questions on different European Statistical Classification comprehensive and harmonised aspects of the environment of Economic Activities (NACE). way, Eurostat – since 2006 – industry. These include: growth NACE classifies firms based on the has developed a new concept potential, employment creation, predominant products they produce (data collection handbook «The success in exporting environmental or services they offer. For example, Environmental Goods and Services technologies, research and a company producing electric Sector» – EGSS) which has been development for cleaner products pumps would be classified in the implemented for the first time in and processes, the impact on electrical products sector. If some of Austria in the 2008 reporting year. competitiveness in industry due to those pumps were used to manage The goal is to get from EU countries applications of cleaner technologies, pollutant outputs in a factory, part harmonised, detailed data at national as well as how to improve of that firm’s activity could be level that will enable analysis of environmental and economic policy considered to be environmentally- economic growth, employment to encourage and support growth, oriented. Therefore it might be potential, exports and research and job creation and trade. Answering appropriate to classify the firm as development in the EGSS. these questions poses statistical and part of the environment industry. At methodological difficulties related to the same time, however, the bulk One important aspect in the problems of delimitation and data of that firm’s output is not oriented evaluation of the EGSS performance availability. towards environmental ends. is in the area of job creation and employment generation. Related to 6 THE STATISTICS NEWSLETTER - OECD - Issue No. 52, July 2011

and economic policy. Green jobs EGSS-manual, but was estimated EGSS Definition are seen as secure jobs during an at the time. economic slowdown with positive The EGSS – Environmental Goods effects in two ways. On the one The most important changes and Services Sector-consists of a hand, they are considered as a compared to the OECD/Eurostat heterogeneous set of producers of key driver for the future strength of manual of 1998 concern the technologies, goods and services that: the economy and thus support the development of the definitions for maintenance and development of integrated technologies and the Measure, control, restore, prevent, value added and wealth. On the other guidelines for the account of resource treat, minimise, research and sensitise hand, they contribute to maintaining management. A differentiation from environmental damages to air, water and and preserving ecosystems and goods, technologies and services soil as well as problems related to waste, lifting quality of life in the long-term. to classic environmental protection noise, biodiversity and landscapes. This activities and resource management includes “cleaner” technologies, goods With regard to this, Statistics Austria activities was made. «Resource and services that prevent or minimise – as a member of the Eurostat Task management» is presented in detail pollution. Force on EGSS – in 2009 carried for the first time. Furthermore (and out a pilot study on environmental needed for the breakdown of resource Measure, control, restore, prevent, turnover and employees within the management into environmental minimise, research and sensitise environmental goods and services domains), a separate classification, resources depletion. This results mainly sector. CReMA (Classification of Resource in resource-efficient technologies, goods Management Activities) had to be and services that minimise the use of The data collection ran across all developed. CReMA is based on the natural resources. sectors and ranged from agriculture, «Classification of Resources Use industry and construction to and Management Activities and Source: EUROSTAT, 2009, Data collection the private and public services expenditure – CRUMA», which was handbook EGSS sector. The input data included developed by ISTAT, the National production data from short-term Statistical Institute of Italy, for statistics, information on companies resource management expenditure the challenges involved in classifying specialised in environmental accounts. All this follows CEPA firms to the EGSS is the issue of technologies and facilities for (Classification of Environmental identifying the employees who work pollution control, structural business Protection Activities) which is largely in environment-related activities. statistics data and the environmental the OECD/Eurostat guidelines of protection expenditure accounts. SERIEE, the European System for the So-called «green jobs» are of lively Trade in environmental goods was Collection of Economic Information interest in Austria’s environmental not taken into account according to on the Environment (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Nomenclature CEPA and CReMA

Environmental goods and services sector

Environmental Protection Activities Resource Management Activities

Classification CEPA (as from SERIEE) Classification CReMA (new, compliant with SERIEE)

•• Protection of ambient air and climate •• Use and management of inland waters •• Wastewater management •• Use and management of forest resources •• Waste management •• Use and management of wild flora and fauna •• Protection and remediation of soil, groundwater and surface •• Use and management of fossil energy water »» Renewable Energy •• Noise and vibration abatement (excluding workplace protection) »» Economy of Energy and Heat •• Protection of biodiversity and landscapes »» Minimizing non-energetic use of fossil energy •• Protection against radiation (excluding external safety) •• Use and management of raw materials •• Research and development •• R&D activities for natural resource use management •• Other activities •• Other activities Issue No. 52, July 2011 - THE STATISTICS NEWSLETTER - OECD 7

Figure 2. Classification of goods, technologies and services (worked example) Some environmental products were included in collective positions along Environmental goods connected rubbish bin with non-environmental products within the available data sources. adapted recycling paper In these cases the share of the Environmental technologies environmentally relevant products end-of-pipe waste treatment plant had to be estimated. Some of these integrated recycling plant evaluations had already been made in the context of environmental Environmental services specialised waste collection protection expenditure accounts

installation services for and thus could be included in the connected waste treatment calculations of the EGSS. Ancillary activities internal environmental activities of enterprises Due to the fact that within the basic statistics, data were partly The classification of ­environmental Basically, a supply-side approach available for only one of the two goods and services also was taken; only in exceptional variables (revenue or employees) the ­differentiates connected services, cases were demand-side elements information not currently available special environmental services, included. Data were collected both for the report was estimated in adapted and connected goods, by product groups, from short- compliance with the EGSS manual. end‑of-pipe ­technologies and term statistics (STS) or structural These estimates were based on data ­integrated ­technologies, and ancillary business statistics (SBS), as well from STS as well as SBS, assuming ­activities (Figure 2). Furthermore, as individual companies (primarily an average ratio of employees per a ­distinction is made between the in the technology sector). First and turnover in the relevant PRODCOM private and public sector; the private foremost, data used to compile or NACE group. Considering the ­sector is ­represented by ­economic official statistics were taken; if proportion of required effort, the ­classification NACE rev.2 or the these were not available or were not lowest possible data breakdown ­classification PRODCOM 2009 available to the extent required or at was used. The production value, 2-digit level. The data collection is an appropriate level of detail, internet according to STS, was used here limited to sales and ­employment (full research, literature and expert as a proxy variable for sales. time equivalents) in the ­environmental estimates were taken into account Accordingly, for data collection field. as well as telephone interviews with STS were preferred. For companies technology companies. not recorded within the STS, Estimation of revenue and employment data of the association employees of the social security institutions was

The pilot study was limited to the Figure 3. Environmental goods and services sector - overview collection of environmental turnover Unit 2008 2009 and environmental employment (FTE); exports and value added were Environmental goods and services sector compliant to Eurostat not included. This also applies to the follow-up 2010 study. Environmental turnover Million Euro 31,818 31,497

Ratio of environmental­ For data collection a mix of methods turnover to GDP (nominal) Per cent 11.2 11.5 was applied in accordance with the Environmental employees Persons ’000 172.0 178.4 proposals of the methodological manual for EGSS. This approach Share of environmental employees in labour force Per cent 4.4 4.6 already proved to be useful in accounting the «benefits of Environmental employees including trades environment industries» as it is not Trade with environmental possible to cover all aspects of goods and technologies Persons ’000 22.0 21.4 the environment related economy with a single source due to its very Environmental employees including trades Persons ’000 193.9 199.8 heterogeneous nature. Statistics Austria: Environment; National Accounts: Gross domestic product (GDP) in current prices; Labour force survey 8 THE STATISTICS NEWSLETTER - OECD - Issue No. 52, July 2011

Figure 4. Development of environmental goods and services sector 2008 - 2009 compared to the national economy generated a turnover of €31.5 billion, employing over 178 thousand people.

Change 2008-2009, +3.7 4 % The results of the recent study

3 on turnover and employees in environmental goods and services 2 (EGSS) show that the 2009 economic 1 slowdown had significantly less impact on the environmental sector 0 than on the overall economy. During -1 -0.6 the period under consideration (2008 -1.0 to 2009), Austrian gross domestic -2 product (nominal) declined by -3 3.1%, while environmental turnover -3.1 decreased only slightly (-1.0%). -4 Environmental turnover Environmental employees Gross domestic product Labour force Employment in the overall economy Environmentalgoods and services sector National economy receded by 0.6%, while environment related employment in production and services increased by 3.7% from taken into consideration. For these broader basis. Especially in the area 2008 to 2009. companies, turnover was estimated of resource management that had from individual SBS data. previously not been considered as There were 199.8 thousand a core element, new data sources “green jobs” (2009) in the field of In the case where environmental and estimation methods were found. environmental production, services protection expenditure accounts and trades in Austria, thus showing were used to determine turnover Due to the variety of data sources the significance of green business. (primarily in the public sector), and additional research activities, The production of environmental the number of workers had to the EGSS can be described goods, technologies and services be estimated. Since it is mainly extensively for the first time, yet the (without distributive trades) in 2009 expenditure on water and sanitation, completeness of the data collected employed 178.4 thousand people in the number of workers was calculated cannot be claimed as full. Besides the Austria. using the sales/employee ratio of obviously environmentally relevant NACE Rev.1 sectors 37, 38, 39. recognisable products, there are Special influences in the development also many where the environmental of the environmental sector have been Even more difficult were the purpose is not directly seen. Some seen particularly in the measures estimation of the number of products are also indicated in for heat and energy conservation employees, when only physical data collective positions and the individual and the use of renewable energy, were available, production values products had to be estimated out mainly affecting the environmental were estimated. This approach was from these positions, which can lead sectors «management of energy limited to a few exceptions, such as to both under- and over-coverage. resources». In 2009 this sector the production of firewood, which for Also, double counting cannot always generated 52.8% (about €16.6 billion) example was estimated using data be ruled out since the initial product of total environmental turnover with from the energy balance sheets. or the readily manufactured plant about 39% eco-employees (almost cannot always be identified clearly 70 000 persons). A wide range of Data limitations and assigned, for example due to activities are summarised under different names. this domain: e.g. the production of The report on EGSS is a further renewable energy, renewable energy development of the «economic Main results: Environmental technologies, low energy buildings performance of environment production and services sector and the insulation of buildings. industries» and is intended to reflect defies the crisis in the environmental production and 2009 by 3.7% more employees The full report (in German) can be found services sector in Austria even at: www.statistik.at/web_de/static/ more comprehensively. Accordingly, In 2009 the Austrian environmental projektbericht_umweltorientierte_ both data collection and calculation goods and services sector (EGSS) produktion_und_dienstleistung_-_ methods were carried out on a egss_2009_055934.pdf Issue No. 52, July 2011 - THE STATISTICS NEWSLETTER - OECD 9

Chile: Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas (INE) Francisco Labbé – The New National Director

n 12th April 2011 women, and a new Employment Francisco Labbé became the Survey. Onew National Director of the Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas de In the period 2012-2014, INE Chile. Francisco Labbé, Engineer and proposes to deploy its process of Master of Arts from the University of institutional modernization in two Chicago, has extensive experience areas. The first task will see INE in academia. He formally headed carry out public education to reaffirm the posts of Dean of the Faculty its standing as an efficient and of Economics and Business at the independent body. The next step, University Andrés Bello and Gabriela as important as the previous one, is Mistral as well as Associate Dean to develop statistical projects in the and Acting Dean at the University mining and construction statistics, of Chile. as well as regional and environment statistics and those of family budget, He has also acted as Economic among others. This period will also Adviser in the National Society of see the undertaking of the 18th Mining, Head of the Investment National Population Census and the Department of the Office of National the economic and social situation 7th Housing Census. Planning and was Project Engineer in Chile and makes more efficient in the Corporation for Production use of public resources according The increasing inclusion of Chile Development, among other posts. to good national and international in the international arena requires recommendations. strong institutions which are highly Instituto Nacional de technical and are recognised Estadísticas (INE) 2012-2014: In order to strengthen economic across all sectors of society. The A reliable institution growth, social equity and welfare of 2012-2014 proposal aims at INE´s recognised by all the population, Chile needs quality transformation as the backbone of statistics. Along these lines, one of the Chilean statistical system. In The National Statistical Institute of the objectives of INE is to generate order to achieve this, it requires an Chile is one of the public bodies indicators which avoid duplication articulated statistical information with the longest history in Chile. of effort and allow making better system which is accessible and Today, its 167 years of experience decisions in diverse fields of national comparable, so that citizens can reflects the quality of its statistical activity. make better decisions in their diverse products, transparency, procedures areas of expertise. and its technical independence. This This challenge means that there is stated, generating consistent and a need to work towards overcoming The modernization of INE is taking internationally comparable statistics existing gaps between our national place through anticipating the that meet international standards is statistics and those of some OECD requirements of increased efficiency a goal of the INE. countries. This is why INE started in the production and delivery of the publication and dissemination official statistics in the country. In this perspective, the INE advances of international standard indicators, in its path of modernization in such as: the new Consumer Price order to reach the best possible Index which reflects the changes The National Statistical methodological and operational in the consumption of Chilean men Institute of Chile standards of its statistical products. and women, new Wage Index which www.ine.cl In such a way, it guarantees shows labour reality for men and information that is representative of 10 THE STATISTICS NEWSLETTER - OECD - Issue No. 52, July 2011

spain: instituto naCional de estadístiCa (ine) baCKCasting using Conversion MatriCes: towards a tool for error estiMation

Ignacio Arbués, Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE)

ost of the data produced sample design, this method is the The conversion matrices by statistical agencies are most desirable from the point of view method Mdisseminated according of the accuracy, but it is costly and to different classifi cations, such sometimes even not feasible. CMM For the sake of simplicity, we will as COICOP (Classification of is described in the following section describe here the method as applied Individual Consumption According and is a less burdensome alternative, to the estimation of totals and also to Purpose) or NACE (the statistical but provides only an approximation, ignore the implications of the sample classifi cation of economic activities so the decision between methods design and of the possible seasonal in the European Community). From is a trade-off between quality and behaviour of the data. Note that the time to time, these classifi cations cost. However, a well-informed essentials of the backcasting problem undergo major revisions that require decision requires some assessment after a change of classifi cation a considerable effort from all involved of the quality loss of the CMM with are present even if the population in the production of statistics. respect to the Micro Method. There was exhaustively sampled. A more are also some other decisions detailed description can be found One of the most diffi cult tasks to take that require a measure of in a working paper, available from that have to be undertaken when quality, in particular how far to go the INE website: www.ine.es/en/ a classifi cation is changed is to back in the past and what level of welcome_en.htm. calculate or estimate statistical data disaggregation is intended to be according to the new classifi cation reached. Unfortunately, at the time In the following we identify the old referred to time periods prior to the European statistical institutions classes with numbers, 1, 2, 3, ... and its introduction in the statistical needed to undertake the required the new ones with capital letters A, B, process. This is known in offi cial backcasting for the new revision C. We have as a starting point the old statistics jargon as «backcasting». of the NACE, adequate tools to aggregates X1t, X2t, ... and we need

measure the quality of the estimates to estimate the new ones YAt, YBt... From the point of view of the user, were not around. Therefore at INE, backcasting is necessary for the we have tried to provide a tool to The complexity of the problem sake of comparability. In particular, estimate the error introduced by the depends on how the classes of short-term indicators are frequently CMM by using a probabilistic model the old and new classifi cation are analyzed by means of time series for the data. We have also performed related. By «related», we may mean models. If the time series are broken an experiment to check the validity either a conceptual relationship when the classifi cation changes, it is of the estimates. (classes 1 and A are related not possible to identify and estimate when their defi nitions allow for any model until the new series is long enough. Moreover, long series Figure 1. Classifi cation Relationships are necessary to perform seasonal adjustment.

Once the necessity of backcasting is established, one has to decide which method to use for this task. Most commonly used are either the Micro Method or a Conversion Matrix Method (CMM). The Micro Method consists of reclassifying the microdata of past periods and then recalculating the aggregates. Besides problems related to the Issue No. 52, July 2011 - THE STATISTICS NEWSLETTER - OECD 11

Figure 2. Many-to-Many the existence of statistical units that belong to both of them or an actual relationship (that is, there are actually units in the population under study, that belong to both classes). Usually, this is described in terms of many-to-one and one- to-many relationships (fi gure 1). The many-to-one relationships are easy to deal with. In order to obtain YAt you just have to aggregate X1t and

X2t. Unfortunately, in most of the real cases you do not have this kind of relationship, but rather a combination of the two which is called many-to- many (the right panel in fi gure 1).

Many-to-many relationships such If these rates are independent and 2 as the one in fi gure 1 can be Ŷit = Ci1X1t+ Ci2X2t+... their variances are σ , then the decomposed as in fi gure 2, that is, Mean Squared Error of the ith new fi rst we break down an old aggregate We can write this identity in matrix aggregate estimate CMM is given by in so many pieces as arrows go from form as Ŷ = CX, the name of the 2 ∑{(1 - 2C )Q +C 2Q } it and then, we recombine the pieces method. σ ij ij ij j j to obtain the new aggregates. How to estimate the error While the second step is where Q and Q are the means of X2 j ij straightforward the question arises We will now outline a simplifi ed in the class j of the old classifi cation – how is the fi rst step completed? version of our method to estimate and in the intersection of the old class According to the CMM, we can the error of the CMM. We assume a j and the new class i respectively

estimate the pieces as CijXjt, where probabilistic model for the variation at the double classifi cation period. i=A, B, ... and j=1, 2, ... The coeffi cient rate between the microdata from the Q and Q can be estimated using j ij Cij is obtained usually as double classifi cation period and from the microdata from the double any of the periods to which the CMM classifi cation period, but in order to X 2 C = ijs is applied, that is, for estimate σ we need a sample of the ij X ς ’s. However, our empirical results js X i it indicate that a small subsample ςi= - 1 Where X is the total of the variable x may suffi ce. This means that by ijs is under study corresponding to reclassifying a few units, we would the statistical domain obtained Where xit, xis are the microdata at be able to check whether the error as the intersection between the times t and s. of the CMM estimates is acceptable. old class j and the new class i, at time s. For this, it is necessary to Figure 3. Relationship between NACE rev.1.1 and NACE rev.2 have microdata of period s coded according to both classifi cations. This is possible because in a change of classifi cation, there is usually an overlapping period. Thus, s is called a double classifi cation period.

Sometimes, the coeffi cients Cij are computed as ratios of other related variables, or even ratios of the number of units. Finally, the second step is to aggregate all the pieces: 12 THE STATISTICS NEWSLETTER - OECD - Issue No. 52, July 2011

Table 1. Error Magnitude relationship is many-to-many, since there are both columns and rows with Predicted Actual Predicted Actual NACE NACE more than one filled square. Error Error Error Error

5 0.050 0.022 21 0.199 0.090 The availability of abundant ­structural

6 1.202 0.422 22 0.023 0.017 information (mainly PRODCOM, but also the Industrial Companies 8 0.183 0.116 23 0.023 0.010 Survey), the fact that the units were classified at a four-digit level and a 10 0.033 0.035 24 0.011 0.003 good information storage system of 11 0.139 0.153 25 0.030 0.027 the survey made possible to reclassify most of the units automatically. The 12 0.000 0.000 26 0.075 0.021 remaining ones were reclassified 13 0.062 0.117 27 0.143 0.157 manually. Consequently, we had the opportunity to simulate the CMM as 14 0.043 0.104 28 0.143 0.133 we would have used it if required. 15 0.030 0.028 29 0.022 0.014 For most of the industrial divisions 16 0.012 0.004 30 0.203 0.078 of the NACE (some of them had 17 0.009 0.011 31 0.082 0.081 too few units to obtain significant results and some were not explored 18 0.146 0.097 32 0.148 0.070 in the survey), we have computed 19 0.019 0.007 33 0.315 0.144 the ­estimated relative errors and the actual ones for all months from 20 0.088 0.041 35 -- 0.082 2002 to 2007. In table 1, we compare the ­average predicted and actual Results and conclusions An alternative way to represent the relative errors. These data are also relationship between ­classifications represented in figure 4. We can see We have carried out an experiment is by means of a matrix like the one that: (i) the method overestimates to validate our estimates of the in figure 3. There, the filled squares the error by a factor of around error. For this, we took advantage represent actual relationships 3, but (ii) there is a strong linear of the availability of microdata in between the two-digit branches relationship between them (R2≈0.8). double classification for a relatively (divisions) of the NACE rev. 1.1 Consequently, the estimates serve to long period. This is a consequence by columns and the ones of the detect the greatest quality problems of the decision to use the Micro NACE rev.2 by rows, so the filled (such as the outlier near the top-right Method to calculate the backcast square at E5 means that there are corner of figure 4) and they give an series of Industrial Turnover when some units that belong to division indication of the order of magnitude NACE ­revision 1.1 was replaced by 5 in the old NACE and division E in of the errors. revision 2 2009. the new one. Note that in figure 3 the divisions are not labelled as in the We also found that in this case, the actual NACE. We can see that the estimation of σ2 is greatly improved

if we assume that the ςi’s are drawn Figure 4. Magnitudes of the Error from a log-normal population and if we use a trimmed estimator to Actual Relative Error increase robustness. 0.450 0.400 Future research remains to analyze 0.350 the sources of the overestimation. 0.300 0.250 A possibility worth examining is 0.200 whether by relaxing the unrealistic 0.150 assumption of independence of the, 0.100 ςi’s the estimates could be improved. 0.050 0.000 0.000 0.200 0.400 0.600 0.800 1.000 1.200 1.400

Estimated Relative Error Issue No. 52, July 2011 - THE STATISTICS NEWSLETTER - OECD 13

Statistics Estonia celebrates its 90th anniversary

In 1921 the State Central Bureau of Statistics of the Republic of Estonia was established. This year Statistics Estonia celebrates the 90th anniversary of the establishment of the statistical system of the Republic of Estonia with Mr. Priit Potisepp as Director General.

1921 State Central Bureau of Statistics of the General government debt as percentage of GDP in the European Union, 2009 Republic of Estonia was established.

Greece 1922 The firstP opulation Census was ­arranged Italy Belgium in Republic of Estonia. Hungary France Portugal EU-27 1944 Statistical activities carried out by Central Germany 1992 Board of Statistics of the ESSR (Estonian Malta United Kingdom Soviet Socialist Republic). Austria Ireland Netherlands Cyprus 1991 Mr. Rein Veetõusme was assigned to Spain the post of Director General of the State Poland Finland Statistical Office of theR epublic of Estonia. Sweden Denmark Latvia Slovakia 1992 The first issue of «Eesti statistika Slovenia ­aastaraamat” - Yearbook of Estonian Czech Republic Lithuania Statistics was published. Romania Bulgaria Luxembourg Estonia 1996 The organisation got its current name % 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 Statistics Estonia (previous name: Source: Statistics Estonia Statistical Office of Estonia). The need for official statistics was already clear in 1921 when independence 1998 The web site of Statistics Estonia was gained in Estonia: without statistics it is impossible to describe the www.stat.ee was opened. essence and interrelationship of many complicated events. For Estonia, the practical use of numbers was divided into four categories in 1921. 2001 The Statistical Database was made The first or most general level was «satisfaction of certain curiosity» or ­available for users via the web site. «knowledge». The second level was «analysis of numbers for explaining phenomena», which means explaining social and economic phenomena as 2002 The Eurostat mission assessed the a result of analysis or stating the situation. The third level in contemporary ­activities of Statistics Estonia in ­bringing meaning was using the statistics in compiling action plans and the fourth official statistics into compliance with the level – finding trends with the help of mathematical, graphical, etc analysis. Europan Union requirements as positive. For the user, the existence of data is self-evident. In most cases the data 2004 Estonia joined the European Union provider needn’t necessarily be a user of statistics and vice versa. Already in and Statistics Estonia became a part the 1920s it was clear that the attitude of people towards data collection was of the European Statistical System. not completely positive. However, during the first period of­independence, Mr. Priit Potisepp became the Director one of the most important characteristics in the organisation of statistical General of Statistics Estonia. work was in the field of data collection. The data of agricultural statistics were collected and transmitted by correspondence network and 17,000 2009 In connection with Estonia’s ­application co-workers volunteered to ­participate in the Population Census. The people for accession to OECD, a respective were eager to contribute to the development of the young country. assessment mission of OECD visited Statistics Estonia with the aim to assess Already at the beginning of the 1920s it was clear that dissemination and the ­compliance of Estonian official statistics popularisation of statistical knowledge is an important task. Publishing with the statistical requirements of OECD. ­activity was one way to make statistical materials available for the wider public. At the end of the first decade of the Republic of Estonia, statisticians 2010 The Riigikogu passed the Official ­estimated the use of numerical data in social life very positively; the Statistics Act. ­development was especially conspicuous compared to 1921. 14 THE STATISTICS NEWSLETTER - OECD - Issue No. 52, July 2011

Did you know?

The educational level of the people in Estonia has continuously increased during the last decade. The share of persons having completed at least upper secondary education among people aged 25–64 has increased from 86% in 2000 to 89% in 2010. People in Estonia are more educated than the residents of many other EU countries. Source: Statistics Estonia

Nowadays, among the objectives of offi cial statistics, serving the government has moved into fi rst place (statistics as a tool for informing policies, observing their impact, and for planning activities). Such a situation results partly from the fact that in many cases national statistical institutions are government agencies and also that the Statistical Offi ces of the European Communities are part of the executive power. In fact the role of offi cial statistics is by no means smaller while satisfying the interests concerning research activities, enterprises, society as a whole, and specifi c spheres.

It is not easy to compare the initial years of offi cial statistics in Estonia with statistics today. But lots of similarities can be found observing the distribution of subject areas, purpose of data use and organisation of data collection. The world has changed but many phenomena that needed to be observed and studied 90 years ago are also needed now. Contemporary statisticians should refl ect and contemplate with respect the processing and publication today as compared to the period 90 years ago considering the technical facilities now available. Statistics Estonia, Endla 15, 15174 Tallinn, Estonia - [email protected] - www.stat.ee

The 58th World Statistics Congress of the International Statistical Institute (IS) will be held in Dublin, Ireland, from the 21st to the 26th August 2011: www.isi2011.ie

The Scientifi c Programme of the 58th Congress will offer statisticians innovative and stimulating topics with well-balanced presentations. A key feature of the 58th Congress will be the special Theme Day to be held on Wednesday the 24th August, where papers will be devoted to statistical issues relating to Water and Water Quality. Issue No. 52, July 2011 - THE STATISTICS NEWSLETTER - OECD 15

European union presidency Polish EU Presidency

Central Statistical Office of Poland, Presidency Team

rom July 2011, for the first time, Party on Internal Market Statistics preparation. All this keeping in mind Poland will hold the Presidency and the Working Party on Financial that it is the very first time the Polish Fof the European Union Council Statistics. CSO is facing such a challenge and according to the sequence of without any previous experience Presidencies established by EU The issues that can be found on the in the EU Presidency to count on. Council Decision of 1st January agenda of CWPS vary significantly, Nevertheless, the CSO over the last 2007. Generally speaking, the EU and range from statistical returns two years has done its best to get Presidency is a 6-month rotating in respect of carriage of goods by ready. chair of the EU Council preparatory road, to environmental economic bodies by different EU member accounts, to statistics on tourism, Prepared but Flexible states. However, according to the and to permanent crops statistics. Capacity Building Lisbon Treaty which came into These examples come from the force, December 2009, Poland topics that were discussed in CWPS The Central Statistical Office of is to hold a group EU Presidency meetings during the Hungarian EU Poland is focused and well advanced together with Denmark and Cyprus Presidency. in the preparations for the EU for the period of 18 months. This will Presidency (www.prezydencjagus. naturally require close cooperation Being aware of the above, the CSO stat.gov.pl). Firstly, people amongst the trio of countries. In of Poland has prepared a part of the responsible for the EU Presidency Poland the preparations for this central «Programme of the 6-month preparations were identified and prestigious task started almost two Polish Presidency of the EU Council», a Presidency Team was created. years ago, in 2009, when the central defining priority actions to be taken The Team, chaired by the Advisor «Programme of the preparations for and issues to be raised during the to the CSO President, Ms. Grażyna the EU Presidency» was adopted by Polish EU Presidency in the field of Marciniak, is dealing with all matters the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. statistics. Poland aims to continue concerning preparations for the EU the debate on matters initiated by the Presidency and will take all the EU Presidency in Statistics previous EU Presidency, including necessary action in the field of Foresee the Unforeseeable the extremely important dossier on statistics, both substantively and the system of national and regional logistically. The main task being to In the field of statistics the main accounts in the EU. chair the CWPS; in strict cooperation objective during the EU Presidency with EU member states and EU for the Central Statistical Office of The CSO is also planning to move institutions. Poland (CSO) is to chair and organise forward the legislative procedure the EU Council Working Party on concerning the European long‑term Realising that knowledge and Statistics (CWPS). Established in statistical programme (2013 – 2017), capabilities will greatly influence July 2003, the Working Party on taking into account its strategic the outcome of the Polish EU Statistics is one of the bodies of EU character and importance for Presidency, CSO employees who General Affairs Council. Its work can development and rebuilding the will be most involved took a series be briefly described as a review of European Statistical System. of courses, seminars and internships all statistical issues, with the aim of dedicated to the EU Presidency and elaborating legislative drafts within While chairing the CWPS may seem the EU in general. These included: the field of statistics. Characteristic like an easy task, as it normally changes in EU law after the Lisbon for this group are the multidisciplinary meets only once a month (or at Treaty (implementing and delegated issues it has been dealing with since most twice), this isn’t so. Taking acts), EU negotiation techniques, its creation, as a result of combining into account the variety of topics and English language training (EU three thematic statistical working that can be expected on the agenda, Presidency oriented groups). parties: the Working Party on the task becomes more complicated Agriculture Statistics, the Working quickly and in fact requires a lot of 16 THE STATISTICS NEWSLETTER - OECD - Issue No. 52, July 2011

Furthermore, CSO staff most was elaborated and actions to be the Hungarian Central Statistical involved took part in internships in taken by the Trio were identified. Office in November 2010, with a view the Budget and Finance Section of The programme was submitted as to identifying the programme in the Permanent Representation of the an input to the 18 month programme field of statistics, including issues Republic of Poland to the European of the EU Council. Moreover the role that will be on the agenda of the Union. The aim of those internships and obligations of the EU Presidency Working Party on Statistics for the was to establish networks, which will in the current institutional system of first six months of June 2011. enable efficient cooperation with the the European Union was discussed Permanent Representation during and good practices were shared. Both Hungary and Poland believe the Presidency period, acquire that particular emphasis, during knowledge concerning the issue Thanks to a suggestion from Danish the two EU Presidencies, shall be of chairing EU Council bodies on colleagues to organise a seminar on laid on the revision of the European various levels, as well as, observing «The European Statistical System – System of National and Regional negotiation techniques and methods running the EU Council Presidency accounts in the European Union. of achieving a compromise. within the European Statistical A main objective being to adapt Moreover, experience and good System» CSO employees involved the EU national accounts system practice gained during study visits to in preparations got the opportunity to to the present economic situation the statistical offices of Slovenia, the learn about the Danish experience in and better suit user needs. Specific Czech Republic and Spain cannot holding the EU Council Presidency, attention will also be devoted to be underestimated. which was extremely beneficial as the proposal for a decision on the Denmark is the most EU-experienced European Statistical Programme Continuing the practical approach, Trio country. 2013-2017 which is expected to be the CSO’s International Cooperation submitted by the Commission in the Division decided that the most Expect the Unexpected second half of 2011. Issues indicated efficient way to get a grip on EU Priorities above were the key subjects during Presidency practicalities is to observe several meetings with Trio partners the work of CWPS. That is why Polish As stated, the Polish EU Presidency and the Hungarian EU Presidency EU Presidency Team representatives priorities in the field of statistics are Team. have been following the current laid down in the “Programme of the stage of legislative procedures 6-month Polish Presidency of the EU Remembering the Polish EU since the Spanish Presidency and Council”. They stem from the Trio Presidency to observe the manner in which programme prepared jointly by the Scientific Conference previous Presidencies tackled Trio: Poland, Denmark and Cyprus CWPS meetings. It is also a great during their meetings. Therefore, With reference to Polish priorities of opportunity to set up contacts the Polish EU Presidency will work the Presidency in the EU Council in and friendly relations with national according to the provisions of the the second part of 2011 the CSO plans delegates from EU member states European Statistical System being to organise a conference connected and EU institutions representatives. also in compliance with the principles with the Eastern Partnership titled: of the European Statistics Code of «Development of the European Continuity Practice. High quality, reliable and Statistical System within Eastern The Trio Cooperate relevant official European Statistics, Partnership – directions and a need to keep the balance between strategy». The conference is to take Establishing cooperation among new data needs and resources place on 18-19 October 2011 in the three – Poland, Denmark, and limitations, as well as, the need to Krakow under the auspices of the Cyprus – was always a priority during reduce the response burden will European Parliament. The Eastern CSO EU Presidency preparations. be taken into account during the 6 Partnership programme is a Polish The Presidency Team got acquainted months. and Swedish initiative brought to the with its counterparts from Statistics system of external relations of the Denmark and the Statistical Service Each incoming EU Presidency needs European Union. It was approved of Cyprus during a meeting organised to be fully aware of the fact that the by the European Council on 19-20 in Copenhagen, November 2009. legislative dossier it will be dealing March 2009. The program is It was followed by assemblies in with is built on the progress of the dedicated to Armenia, Azerbaijan, Nicosia (October 2010) and Warsaw previous EU Presidency, in the Polish Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and the (April 2011). During those meetings a case – the Hungarian Presidency. In Ukraine. common Trio statistical programme this respect, the Polish Team visited Issue No. 52, July 2011 - THE STATISTICS NEWSLETTER - OECD 17

The conference is going to be one during the Polish EU Presidency In the United Kingdom, it rose from of the central events of the Polish and about progress on legislative 8.4% in 2007 to 9.8% in 2009. Presidency in the Council of the dossiers and other important issues. European Union. Its aim is to point It also contains contacts to the CSO Health spending per capita increased out a direction of action that will allow Presidency Team. Please do not on average across OECD countries statistical rules applied in Eastern hesitate to contact us pl2011@stat. by 3.8% in 2008 and 3.5% in 2009. Partnership countries to become gov.pl if you have any questions. Public spending on health grew even compliant with those in the EU, as faster, at an average rate of 4.8% well as, to present a strategy for in 2008 and 4.1% in 2009. Private their implementation. During the spending also continued to increase conference the following topics will OECD Health data in most countries, but at a slower be discussed: pace (1.9% in 2008 and 2.7% in Health: spending 2009). •• Official statistics as a dynamic continues to form of cooperation between Variations in health Eastern Partnership countries. outpace economic expenditure across countries •• Role of official statistics in establishing a coherent growth in most In 2009, there were large variations in information system within the how much OECD countries spent on frame of Eastern Partnership. OECD countries health and the health spending share •• Cooperation in the field of of GDP. The United States continued cross-border and euro-regional OECD Health Division to outspend all other OECD countries statistics. by a wide margin, with spending on •• Transformation of statistical ealth spending continues to health per capita of $7960. This was systems within the Eastern rise faster than economic two-and-a-half times more than the Partnership countries – Hgrowth in most OECD OECD average of $3223. towards harmonisation with the countries, maintaining a trend European Statistical System. observed since the 1970s. Health As a share of GDP, the United States spending reached 9.5% of GDP on spent 17.4% on health in 2009, 5 The closing session of the conference average in 2009, the most recent percentage points more than in the is going to be covered by Eurostat, year for which figures are available, next two countries, the Netherlands the contribution of which shall be up from 8.8% in 2008, according to and France (which allocated 12.0% stressed and appreciated. At the OECD Health Data 2011. and 11.8% of their GDP on health). end of 2010 a Conference Scientific Norway and Switzerland were the Committee was established. But health spending as a share of next biggest spenders on health per It consists of distinguished GDP is likely to stabilise or fall slightly capita, with spending of more than international experts on statistics in 2011. This is due to improving $5000 per capita in 2009. representing Eastern Partnership economic growth and lower health countries, Eurostat, Trio country spending as governments seek to These are some of the short‑ representatives and international rein in budget deficits. and long‑term trends shown organisations. All information shall in OECD Health Data 2011, the be progressively published on the While governments must do more most comprehensive source of CSO website in a section dedicated to get better value for money from comparable statistics on health and to the conference. healthcare spending, they must also health systems across the 34 OECD continue pursuing their long‑term countries. Covering the period 1960 Contact Us! goals of having more equitable, to 2009, this interactive database can responsive and efficient health be used for comparative analyses In order to facilitate contact and systems, according to the OECD. on health status, risk factors to continue the good practice of previous health, health care resources and Presidencies, the Central Statistical The rise in the health spending share utilisation, and health expenditure Office of Poland launched a website: of GDP was particularly marked in and financing. http://pl2011.stat.gov.pl countries hard hit by the global recession. In Ireland, the percentage More information is available at www. The site informs about activities of the of GDP devoted to health increased oecd.org/health/healthdata - health. Council Working Party on Statistics from 7.7% in 2007 to 9.5% in 2009. [email protected]. 18 THE STATISTICS NEWSLETTER - OECD - Issue No. 52, July 2011

publications Recent publications

Entrepreneurship at a Glance 2011

Entrepreneurship at a Glance presents a collection of indicators for measuring the state of entrepreneurship along with explanations of the policy context and interpretation of the data. This publication also includes special chapters that address measurement issues, and solutions, concerning entrepreneurship and its determinants. In this first issue the special topics covered are: business demography and green entrepreneurs.

OECD (2001), Entrepreneurship at a Glance 2011, OECD Publishing www.oecd.org/document/0/0,3746,en_2649_37461_48107008_1_1_1_37461,00.html

PISA 2009 Results: Students On Line: Digital Technologies and Performance (Volume VI)

This sixth volume of PISA 2009 results explores students’ use of information technologies to learn. In 2009, students in 19 countries and economies took a PISA test using computers which tested their ability to navigate and evaluate information on line. Students also filled in a background questionnaire providing information on their use of computers both in school and at home.

OECD (2011), PISA 2009 Results: Students On Line: Digital Technologies and Performance (Volume VI), PISA, OECD Publishing. www.oecd.org/edu/pisa/2009

African Economic Outlook 2011: Africa and its Emerging Partners

This tenth edition of the African Economic Outlook finds the continent on the rebound and expects it growth performance in the next years to resume at pre-crisis levels. The focus of the 2010 AEO is Africa’s Emerging Economic Partnerships, presenting a comprehensive review of Africa’s expanding economic relations with outside the continent that until very recently did not belong to the club of traditional «donors», the OECD Development Assistance Committee. Africa benefits not only from the visible direct interactions with large emerging countries – investment, trade, aid – but also from the macroeconomic, political and strategic advantages that their rise has produced. As always, country chapters provide detailed information on a country-by-country basis and the statistical annex provides a wide variety of indicators for the countries covered. This year, the AEA covers all African countries except Eritriea and Somalia.

OECD/ (2011), African Economic Outlook 2011: Africa and its Emerging Partners, OECD Publishing. www.africaneconomicoutlook.org/en/ Issue No. 52, July 2011 - THE STATISTICS NEWSLETTER - OECD 19

Agenda Forthcoming meetings

OECD

Date Meeting

12-13 Sept. 2011 Global Forum on the Knowledge Economy, OECD Directorate for Science, Technology and Industry. OECD, Paris, France www.oecd.org/knowledgeeconomy 3-6 Oct. 2011 Working Group on International Investment Statistics (WGIIS), Directorate for Financial and Enterprise Affairs. OECD, Paris, France 12 Oct. 2011 Conference on Measuring Progress: Two years after the recommendations of the Stiglitz-Sen- Fitoussi Commission (co-organised by France and the OECD). OECD, Paris, France 24-28 Oct. 2011 Working Party on Financial Statistics & Working Party on National Accounts, OECD Statistics Directorate. OECD, Paris, France 25-26 Oct. 2011 OECD Global Forum on the Environment: Making Water Reform Happen. OECD, Paris, France www.oecd.org/document/57/0,3746,en_21571361_44315115_47429177_1_1_1_1,00.html 7-9 Nov. 2011 Working Party on International Trade in Goods and Trade in Services Statistics (WPTGS), Statistics Directorate. OECD, Paris, France 10 Nov. 2011 Meeting of the Task Force on Statistics of International Trade in Services (TFSITS), OECD Statistics Directorate. OECD, Paris, France 17-18 Nov. 2011 Fifth Joint EU/OECD Workshop on the International Development of Business and Consumer Tendency Surveys, OECD Statistics Directorate. Brussels, Belgium 17-18 Nov. 2011 Health Care Quality Indicators (HCQI) Expert Group, OECD Directorate for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs. OECD, Paris, France 22-23 Nov. 2011 Conference on “Economic Insecurity: Measurement, Causes and Policy Implications” jointly organised by the International Association for Research in Income and Wealth (IARIW) and the OECD. OECD, Paris, France www.iariw.org/c2011oecd.php 28 Nov. 2011 22nd Session of the Working Party on Territorial Indicators, Directorate for Public Governance and Territorial Development. OECD, Paris, France 29- Nov.-1 Dec. 2011 Aid Effectiveness, fourth high level forum, to assess 2010 targets and commitments of the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness and the Accra Agenda for Action. OECD Development Co-operation Directorate. Busan, Korea www.busanhlf4.org 30 Nov.-2 Dec. 2011 Meeting of the OECD Expert Group on Household Statistics on Income, Consumption and Wealth, OECD Statistics Directorate. OECD, Paris, France

Other meetings 22-26 August 2011 Montréal 2011 Ecocity World Summit. Palais des Congrès de Montréal, Canada www.ecocity2011.com/accueil/default_e.asp 12-13 Sept. 2011 2011 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the IMF. Washington DC, USA www.imf.org/external/am/index.htm 23-26 Oct. 2011 World Health Summit. Berlin, Germany www.worldpensionsummit.com/ 2-4 Nov. 2011 World Pension Summit. Amsterdam, The Netherlands www.weforum.org/events/world-economic-forum-africa-2011 3-4 Nov. 2011 G20 Summit. Cannes, France www.g20.org/

Unless otherwise indicated attendance at OECD meetings and working parties is by invitation only. The Statistics Newsletter for the extended OECD statistical network Issue 52 - July 2011

www.oecd.org/std/statisticsnewsletter