Government Finance Statistics and Public Sector Debt
Iraq
Assess the Preparation and Dissemination of Government Finance Statistics
During 18-23 January in Amman, Jordan, a Government Finance Statistics (GFS) and Public Sector Debt Statistics (PSDS) mission for the Ministry of Finance of Iraq assessed the preparation and dissemination of comprehensive and timely fiscal reports and developed a capacity development plan to enhance the prioritization and dissemination of GFS and PSDS in Iraq. The mission conducted a thorough analysis of GFS and PSDS compilation and dissemination. The authorities expressed interest for support in starting GFS and PSDS compilation in line with international standards. The mission developed a series of recommendations jointly with the authorities. Frequent and sustained METAC CD will be crucial in supporting the authorities going forward.
Jordan
Improving the Compilation and Dissemination of Government Finance Statistics
The technical assistance mission during 12-16 January focused on enhancing the quality and timeliness of general government reporting. A team comprising more than 20 officials from various Ministry of Finance departments engaged in the discussion and evaluation of GFS issues. The mission introduced the key concepts of the Government Finance Statistics Manual 2014 (GFSM 2014) framework, analyzed the current comprehensiveness and consistency of Jordan’s GFS, and identified gaps and areas for improvement. The mission also held consultations with the Department of Statistics and Central Bank of Jordan, which are important stakeholders in official statistics. The authorities plan to implement the mission’s recommendations over the next 15 months.
Morocco
Government Finance Statistics Training
METAC delivered an in-person GFS training in Rabat, Morocco, from 16-20 December to support the authorities in Government Finance Statistics (GFS) compilation and extend the institutional coverage. The main objectives of the training were to introduce the concepts and principles of the GFS Manual 2014 (GFSM 2014) and demonstrate classification and compilation cases of GFS. The mission also assessed the existing capacities, institutional arrangements, and available data sources, laying the groundwork for CD in the coming fiscal year.
Yemen
Compilation of GFS/PSDS data
During 29 September – 3 October 3 a GFS/PSDS in-person workshop and follow-up mission on data compiled for the Yemeni authorities took place in Cairo, Egypt. The authorities demonstrated high-level engagement and sent a 15-member team from three institutions (Central Bank, Ministry of Finance and MOPIC). The workshop assisted Yemeni officials in building capacity for assessing the quality of debt time series, check integration of above-the-line and below-the-line data, review quality and coverage of the compiled GFS and raise awareness of international standards and requirements for data reporting to WB/IMF data bases. Presentations on specific topics were delivered, with an increased attention on the practical demonstration and hands-on work.
Before the in-person mission, a series of virtual meetings with authorities focused on preparing the data, assess inconsistencies and data gaps. The authorities received extensive training regarding the submission process and requirements for Quarterly External Debt Statistics, Quarterly Public Sector Debt Statistics, and the GFS Survey Questionnaire along with preliminary compilation, including data and metadata. Considering the deficiencies detected in the statistical production, the mission presented several techniques for data validation and introduced key concepts for internal work procedures based on best practices from other economies. The authorities appreciated the introduction of these new elements of statistical production and committed to further developing and integrating them within their institutions. The mission will be complemented with virtual meetings of up to 40 (forty) hours between September–and December 2024.
