Expert Group Meeting on International Statistical ClassificationsNew York

19-22 May 2015

Progress on Adoption and Regionalisation of

International Classifications in the Pacific

Presentation by Nilima LalEconomic Statistician, Secretariat o the Pacific CommunityEmail: NilimaL@spc.int

Statistics for Development DivisionSecretariat of the Pacific Community

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IntroductionSecretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) is striving for greater harmonisation of statistical standards in the Pacific:1. Mandate from the Pacific Plan

2. Guided by the Ten-Year Pacific Statistics Strategy (TYPSS)

Challenge faced by Statistics for Development Division (SDD) of SPC Some National Statistical Organisations in the Pacific were:3. Not awareness that different classifications existed.4. Difficulty in identifying the correct categories for products.5. Did not understand the classifications. 6. Categories were considered too broad. 7. Exclusion of informal activities in ISIC and non-consumption goods in COICOP.

SDD decided that the best way forward was to use International Reference Classifications as a guide and derive Regional classifications.

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Progress made A. Regional classifications compiledTwo regional classifications -tailor made for the Pacific- compiled 1. PACCOICOP 2012

- contains, as supplementary information, an additional group to cover non-consumption expenditure

2. PACSIC 2014- has adopted the new International Standard Classification of Education - contains, as supplementary information, informal activities

- a major non-statistical use: issuing business licenses B. Workshop heldSessions were held on the Classification theory, Commonly used classifications in the Pacific and using them, Supply and use table, Using classifications in the compilation of GDP, Environment Accounts and Tourism Satellite Accounts and where classifications fit in the Official Statistics Program at the University of the South Pacific. A paper on the UN Expert Group on Classifications was also presented. Participants in their country presentations talked about the “status of classifications” in their countries.

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Future WorkA. Regionalising classifications 1. Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System

SPC has sought OCOs collaboration 2. International Standard Classification of Occupations

Discussions at SPC will take place soon to develop a plan for regionalising this.

B. Technical assistance to PICTsSPC will continue providing technical assistance to countries

C. Commitment by countries present at the workshopCountries have committed to adopting latest classifications with SPCs assistance.

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Thank you

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