Russian Federation: Report on the Observance of Standards and Codes (ROSC)—Data Module
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International Monetary Fund
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Publication Date:
14 May 2004
eISBN:
9781451833027
Language:
English
Keywords:
ISCR; CR; Russia; time series; balance of payments; practice; information; data quality; statistics-producing agency; weighting pattern; quality assessment; adjustment procedure; Government finance statistics; Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS)
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This report on the Russian Federation’s Observance of Standards and Codes highlights the Data Module and response by the authorities. Russia’s statistical system has made good progress in adopting international statistical methodologies in response to the need to capture in the statistics the country’s transition to a market economy. These improvements have been achieved notwithstanding the statistical challenges posed by extraordinary economic events during the transition, including the financial crisis of 1998. Appropriate measures are taken in the assessment and validation of source data, intermediate data, and statistical outputs.

Abstract

This report on the Russian Federation’s Observance of Standards and Codes highlights the Data Module and response by the authorities. Russia’s statistical system has made good progress in adopting international statistical methodologies in response to the need to capture in the statistics the country’s transition to a market economy. These improvements have been achieved notwithstanding the statistical challenges posed by extraordinary economic events during the transition, including the financial crisis of 1998. Appropriate measures are taken in the assessment and validation of source data, intermediate data, and statistical outputs.

I. Introduction

1. This data dissemination module of the Report on the Observance of Standards and Codes (ROSC) provides an assessment of Russia’s statistical system. The report provides an assessment of Russia’s data dissemination practices against the Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS). The key issues that need to be dealt with prior to subscription are identified in Section II. The assessment of data dissemination practices is complemented by an assessment of the quality of national accounts, consumer and producer price indices, and government finance, monetary, and balance of payments statistics using the Data Quality Assessment Framework (DQAF) developed by the IMF’s Statistics Department (STA, see Section III). Recommendations to achieve further improvements in Russia’s statistics are made in Section IV. This report is based on information provided prior to and during a staff mission from October 8-23, 2003,2 as well as publicly available information.

II. Data Dissemination Practices and the Special Data Dissemination Standard

2. The IMF’s SDDS is a “best practice” disclosure standard that focuses on encouraging countries to provide information to users, including information that will enable users to assess the data.3

3. The Russian authorities have indicated that subscription to the SDDS is an important goal of the national statistical system. Their strong commitment to achieving this goal is reflected in the use of the SDDS metadata framework since 1999 by the statistics-producing agencies namely the State Statistics Committee of Russia (Goskomstat), the Ministry of Finance (MOF), and the Central Bank of Russia (CBR). These metadata, which provide information on their statistical practices, are posted on their respective Internet websites.4 These websites also disseminate advance release calendars, and provide links to the actual data.

4. A review of Russia’s data dissemination practices against the SDDS requirements for the data dimension, and the advance release calendar of the access dimension, shows that it meets most of the requirements (Table 1). Exceptions are the following, which point to the areas that need to be addressed to enable subscription to the SDDS:

Table 1.

The Russian Federation: Overview of Current Practices Regarding Coverage, Periodicity, and Timeliness of Data Compared to the Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS)

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Note: Periodicity and timeliness: (D) daily; (WD) working days; (W) weekly or with a lag of no more than one week from the reference data or the closing of the reference week; (M) monthly or with a lag of no more than one month; (Q) quarterly or with a lag of no more than one quarter; (A) annually; and (…) not applicable.

  • Compilation and dissemination of the following data categories in index format (with a given reference period) that allows different periods to be compared:

    • The production index is presented in terms of the previous month and of the same month in the previous year; and

    • The consumer and producer price indices are disseminated in terms of the previous month, the same month in the previous year, and December of the previous year.

  • Timeliness of data on central government operations (current lag of two months does not meet SDDS requirement of one month). In addition, published monthly data are cummulative, while the SDDS requires the disemination of discrete data.

  • Timeliness of the analytical accounts of the monetary authorities (current lag of 15 to 16 days does not meet SDDS requirement of two weeks).

  • External debt statistics with a unified presentation of all breakdowns (sector, instrument, and maturity).

  • Designation of the agency that will host the National Summary Data Page.5

5. By vigorously pursuing an action plan to address the above mentioned gaps, Russia will be in a position to subscribe to the SDDS in the very near future.

6. The quality, integrity, and access dimensions of the SDDS are addressed through the DQAF in Section III. The findings of the mission indicate that the Goskomstat and the MOF could usefully update the metadata that they provide on their websites to reflect recent improvements in the data.

III. Summary Assessment of Data Quality

7. An assessment of six macroeconomic datasets—national accounts, consumer price index, producer price index, government finance, monetary, and balance of payments statistics—was conducted using the DQAF. This framework provides a structure and a common language to assess data quality. It comprises a generic framework6 and a set of dataset-specific frameworks that cover five dimensions of data quality—integrity, methodological soundness, accuracy and reliability, serviceability, and accessibility—and a set of prerequisites.7

8. The information resulting from the application of the DQAF to Russia’s statistical system is presented below, following the structure of the DQAF. Conclusions are also presented in the form of a standardized summary table in which the assessment of data practices is made on a qualitative basis, using a four-part scale (Table 2).

Table 2.

The Russian Federation: Data Quality Assessment Framework—Summary Presentation of Results

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Key to symbols: NA = Not Applicable; O = Practice Observed; LO = Practice Largely Observed; LNO = Practice Largely Not Observed; NO = Practice Not Observed

9. Russia’s statistical system has made good progress in adopting international statistical methodologies in response to the need to capture in the statistics the country’s transition to a market economy. Improvements in data compilation practices have been achieved notwithstanding the statistical challenges posed by extraordinary economic events during the transition, including the financial crisis of 1998.8 Recent improvements in data dissemination practices have moved Russia closer to subscription to the SDDS.

10. Russia’s macroeconomic statistics and statistical base are adequate for effective surveillance, even though the IMF staff identified some shortcomings that detract from the accurate and timely analysis of economic and financial developments and the formulation of appropriate polices.

Prerequisites of quality

This category in the DQAF identifies conditions within the agency in charge of producing statistics that have an impact on data quality. The elements within the category refer to the legal and institutional environment, resources, and quality awareness.

11. There is no single statistical law in Russia. The legal and institutional environment in the Goskomstat for collecting, processing, and disseminating national accounts, the consumer price index, and producer price index, among other datasets, is provided in various pieces of legislation, notably the Provisions on Russia’s State Statistics Committee adopted by resolution of the government in 2001. The Provisions do not fully guarantee the confidentiality of individual respondents’ data, e.g., criminal and other codes can mandate the disclosure of confidential data. In addition, statistical reporting by households is not mandated by law. A statistical advisory council, which is allowed under existing legal provisions, has not been established to advise the Goskomstat on statistical policies and priorities. In the context of the Federal Statistical Program, an annual timetable for statistical reporting by ministries to the Goskomstat is agreed, including the type and format of data to be submitted. Staff resources are less than adequate, in particular for national accounts. The National Accounts Department has 49 staff positions but currently employs 34 persons, including five persons who have reached retirement age. An additional nine persons are expected to reach retirement age within the next six years. The Goskomstat has been unable to recruit or retain a cadre of qualified professionals because of uncompetitive remuneration. Quality awareness is evidenced by the Goskomstat Board (collegium), the inter-agency Methodology Council, and regular reminders to staff to uphold quality.

12. The MOF has a legal and institutional environment that supports its responsibility for the compilation and dissemination of government finance statistics (GFS) and budget execution data. The responsibility for compiling GFS is specified in executive orders of the MOF, although the data are reported only to the IMF for publication in International Financial Statistics (IFS) and Government Finance Statistics Yearbook (GFSY). Procedures are in place for the timely flow of information among the MOF units responsible for GFS and budget execution data. Sharing of information with other agencies takes place in the context of the Federal Statistical Program. Resources for compiling government finance statistics and budget execution data are adequate. Quality awareness is focused on the development and application of accounting rules and standards. MOF management emphasizes the importance of data quality during discussions with staff and in speeches of senior officials. In addition, the Chamber of Accounts audits various aspects of the budget process, including the annual report.

13. The CBR, which compiles and disseminates monetary and balance of payments statistics, has an adequate legal and institutional framework that supports data quality. The legal basis for the CBR is found in the Constitution of Russia and the Federal Law on the CBR. The CBR does not disclose data on individual institutions or transactions and has an established track record for safeguarding data confidentiality. Data sharing and coordination in compiling statistics take place among CBR departments and among other data producing agencies; organization of information flows are documented in internal instructions of the CBR and agreements with agencies. Statistical reporting is ensured through legal mandates, clear instructions for statistical reporting, and efforts to reduce reporting burden. Staff, financial, and computing resources are adequate to carry out the CBR’s current statistical programs and plans. Various measures are in place for fostering efficiency in the use of resources. Quality awareness at the CBR is at a high level; external audits and internal quality control procedures are used.

Integrity

Integrity identifies features that support firm adherence to objectivity in the collection, compilation, and dissemination of statistics so as to maintain users’ confidence. Elements refer to the professionalism and ethical standards that should guide policies and practices, which should be reinforced by their transparency.

14. Goskomstat evidences professionalism. The choice of statistical techniques is determined solely by the Goskomstat in its efforts to meet international statistical standards. It is aware of some criticism in the press regarding its dissemination practices and the measurement of the informal economy, and acknowledges its responsibility to clarify these issues. The Goskomstat states that current resource constraints preclude them from responding to all criticism. Transparency is promoted through website posting of the terms and conditions under which statistics are collected, including advance notice of significant changes in the methodology, source data, and compilation techniques. However, the weights for the price indices are not disseminated. The Goskomstat maintains that there is no government access to the data prior to their release, and notes that recent public concern about prior access to consumer price statistics may have stemmed from the availability of unofficial forecasts prepared by other government agencies. Ethical standards expected of staff are embodied in internal Goskomstat regulations, the Civil Service Law, and the Presidential Decree on General Principles for Workplace Behavior of Civil Servants.

15. The MOF exhibits professionalism in the performance of its functions. The Budget Code and other legislation support impartiality and adherence to technical standards in the compilation of GFS. Participation of staff in national and international conferences on accounting and methodological issues is actively supported by management. Press releases are issued in cases of misinterpretation of budgetary data. Transparency is evidenced by making available to the public the legislation containing the terms and conditions under which statistics are compiled and disseminated. No official or public agency outside the MOF has access to GFS prior to their release to the public. There is no advance notice of methodological changes. However, changes in methodology are described in the enabling legislation. The ethical standards are enshrined in the Civil Service Law, and the Presidential Decree on General Principles for Workplace Behavior of Civil Servants.

16. The CBR evidences professionalism. The compilation of statistics on an impartial basis is supported by legal provisions. Hiring and promotion policies are based on the principle of professional competence, as reflected in the “Model Qualification Standards of Staff of the Bank of Russia,” adopted by the CBR Board. Staff participate actively in international working groups (e.g., the IMF’s Committee on Balance of Payments Statistics and the Experts Group to Review the Monetary and Financial Statistics Manual (MFSM)) and conferences. The CBR tracks media coverage of its data and comments publicly on misuse of the statistics. Transparency is conveyed through the posting on its website of the terms and conditions under which statistical work is undertaken. There is no government access to the data prior to their release. However, advance notice of major changes in balance of payments methodology and source data is not provided. Guidance on ethical standards for staff is documented in a separate CBR regulation.

Methodological soundness

Methodological soundness refers to the application of international standards, guidelines, and agreed practices. Application of such standards, which are specific to the dataset, is indicative of the soundness of the data and fosters international comparability. Elements refer to the basic building blocks of concepts and definitions, scope, classification and sectorization, and basis for recording.

17. The concepts and definitions of the national accounts statistics follow the System of National Accounts 1993 (1993 SNA). The scope of the statistics is broad, and the Goskomstat compiles all the accounts and tables required and recommended by the InterSecretariat Working Group on National Accounts. The production boundary covers all output, except illegal output sold to willing buyers. The Goskomstat uses national classifications of activities, products, and commodities that are not compatible with international standards, even at the most aggregate level. The basis for recording is in accordance with the 1993 SNA, with the exception of government transactions that are recorded on a cash basis.

18. The concepts and definitions for the CPI and the PPI are generally consistent with international standards, except the exclusion in the CPI of services from owner-occupied dwellings. In terms of scope, prices paid by non-urban households are excluded from the CPI and exported goods are excluded from the PPI. The Goskomstat is well advanced in the adoption of the international classifications of COICOP in the CPI and NACE, Rev. 1 in the PPI, but less advanced in adopting an international product classification in the PPI. The basis of recording for the CPI is market prices on an accrual basis. The weight for used motor vehicles in the CPI does not explicitly net off sales by households of such vehicles.

19. The compilation of budget execution data follows national concepts and definitions.9 These data can be reclassified to the GFSM 1986 format, but only with access to non-published information and knowledge of the methodology. (The new chart of accounts, expected to be introduced in 2005, will be aligned with the Government Financial Statistics Manual 2001(GFSM 2001).) The scope of fiscal statistics covers all general government activities, but published data do not cover all the detailed information recommended in the GFSM 1986. The budget classifications for revenues, expenditures, financing, and debt follow national concepts and definitions. The national presentation of revenue and expenditure by economic classification are similar to the GFS classification. The presentation of expenditures by function of government is different from the United Nation’s Classification of the Functions of Government (COFOG). The presentation of financing and debt is a mix of debt instrument and debt holder. Domestic and external components of debt are distinguished on the basis of domestic and foreign currency. The basis for recording transactions is “modified cash.” Transactions are shown gross, except for financing transactions, which are shown both gross and net. These procedures are generally in accordance with international practice.

20. The analytical framework used for compiling monetary statistics generally reflects concepts and definitions that are in conformity with the MFSM. The scope of the monetary statistics includes all credit institutions, but not financial institutions such as mutual funds and financial companies that issue deposit substitutes; this is not in conformity with the MFSM recommendations. Classification and sectorization are in line with the MFSM, except for the following: (i) securities repurchase operations of credit institutions with nonresidents are not treated as collateralized loans, and (ii) financial derivatives are not included in the instrument classification. Currently, these securities repurchase operations are relatively insignificant and financial derivatives are at an initial stage of development in Russian financial markets. The basis for recording broadly follows MFSM recommendations; however, monetary gold and securities for investment purposes are not valued at current market prices. Accrued interest is not included in the underlying instrument. (The CBR intends to revise its compilation procedures to conform fully with the guidelines of the MFSM.)

21. Balance of payments statistics closely follow the concepts and definitions set out in the IMF’s Balance of Payments Manual, fifth edition (BPM5). The scope is broadly consistent with international methodological standards. Transactions related to product sharing agreements between government and foreign investors in the oil sector—increasingly important in recent years—are covered using the best available information. Transaction classifications accord with best practices, except for the lack of a further institutional breakdown of the banking sector to distinguish monetary authorities’ portfolio and other investment, and for freight insurance that is not classified under insurance services. The basis for recording flows and positions is sound. Transactions are accrual-based, and grossing/netting procedures follow BPM5 guidelines.

Accuracy and reliability

Accuracy and reliability identifies features that contribute to the goal that data portray reality. Elements refer to identified features of the source data, statistical techniques, and supporting assessments and validation.

22. The data collection program for the annual and quarterly national accounts statistics is not comprehensive, as source data from the annual Household Budget Survey (HBS) are not widely used. Statistical techniques are influenced by the available source data. Thus, household final consumption expenditure is based solely on retail sales data and is estimated by the broad groups of goods and services. The output of owner-occupied dwellings may be grossly underestimated as it is based on the cost of inputs for repairs and maintenance rather than on estimated rental values. The Goskomstat uses chain linked indices to derive the constant price estimates; however, some of the deflators used to derive expenditure on GDP at constant prices are weak. In particular, the deflators used to derive the constant price estimates for exports and imports of goods and services are unreliable and may not reflect the price changes of these aggregates. The specific quarterly compilation techniques are generally sound. The Goskomstat has undertaken exhaustiveness studies to measure the nonobserved economy; however, these studies concentrate on the goods producing activities and do not adequately attempt to measure services such as personal services and owner-occupied dwellings. The compilers conduct assessment and validation of source data using benchmarks to detect outliers in the source statistics. The data are reconciled using an annual supply and use framework. Revisions studies are undertaken for major revisions such as rebasing of the estimates or the introduction of comprehensive new methodology.

23. The CPI and PPI source data used to construct the weights and prices are obtained from comprehensive data collection programs. The HBS, used to derive the weights for the CPI, is based on a multistage probability sample design. The HBS has a satisfactory response rate. Some other data sources are used as a check against HBS data. Adjustments are made to the HBS data for known under-reporting of expenditures on alcohol and tobacco. Statistical techniques follow sound procedures and methods. Owner-occupied dwelling services and informal activities are not included in the CPI. The weights are changed annually for both indices. Appropriate measures are taken in the assessment and validation of source and intermediate data, including checks to ensure consistency with other related data sources. Purposive samples are used in both indices and hence sampling errors are not available. Revision studies are not applicable, because the CPI and PPI are not revised.

24. Comprehensive and timely source data are provided from administrative systems for all levels of government. Beginning in 2002, all general government entities use the same chart of accounts. The information necessary for compiling consolidated statistics for the various levels of government is available. There are no systems to automatically derive GFS from budget items; compilers use electronic spreadsheets to derive GFS tables. Information published under financial accountability arrangements is fully reconcilable with GFS. Data are compiled following sound statistical techniques. Assessment and validation of source data are undertaken. Preliminary budget execution reports are available shortly after the end of the reference period, and are followed by final reports, based solely on accounting data. As to revision studies, the differences between preliminary and final data are tracked and used to improve the accuracy of the estimation process.

25. The source data for monetary statistics are derived from accounting records of the CBR and credit institutions, which provide the details needed for compiling sound monetary statistics. Statistical techniques are fully automated and data adjustment procedures are appropriate. Automated and manual assessments and validations of source and intermediate data, as well as statistical outputs, support reliable monetary statistics. The CBR has procedures in place to investigate discrepancies in the intermediate data, and classification and sectorization errors. Revision studies are undertaken regularly by examining the nature and magnitude of differences between preliminary and final data. Results of these studies are taken into account in the compilation of data for future periods.

26. Balance of payments source data are derived from a comprehensive data collection program, which includes bank reporting, direct surveys, and data sharing agreements with government agencies. Ongoing initiatives to develop new data sources reflect a strong institutional commitment to closing data gaps and a keen awareness of the impact of economic developments on statistical compilation. Statistical techniques are sound and consistent with international practices. Regular assessment and validation of source and intermediate data are undertaken. Revision studies take the form of analyzing revisions to source data. These studies are then used to determine adjustment factors in the balance of payments, thereby helping to insulate the series from subsequent revisions in source data. This “anticipated revisions” approach is used particularly for customs-based trade data.

Serviceability

Serviceability focuses on practical aspects of how well a dataset meets users’ needs. Elements refer to the extent to which data are relevant, produced, and disseminated in a timely fashion with appropriate periodicity, are consistent internally and with other datasets, and follow a predictable revisions policy.

27. The relevance of the national accounts statistics to users is not monitored. User surveys are not conducted. The periodicity and timeliness of the statistics meet the SDDS requirements. The data are consistent within the dataset and a consistent series is available from 1995 to 2002. The statistical discrepancy between the estimates by activity and expenditure component is consistently below two percent of GDP. The data are consistent with other major datasets such as the government finance statistics, balance of payments statistics, and monetary statistics. Quarterly and annual estimates are combined using sound benchmarking techniques. The revision cycle is predetermined and information about it is disseminated. Major revisions are explained along with the publication of the revised series.

28. There is no user group constituted to provide advice on the relevance of the CPI and PPI, and no user surveys have been conducted. There appears to be limited opportunity for user input from government through the Methodology Council. Timeliness and periodicity for the CPI and PPI exceed SDDS requirements. Both indices are consistent for at least five years and are checked against each other. Revision policies for both indices are publicized.

29. As regards relevance, budget execution data are available with sufficient timeliness and the detail needed for the monitoring and evaluation of fiscal policies. Feedback from users is not sought on a regular basis. The timeliness and periodicity of fiscal statistics meet SDDS requirements, except for the timeliness of data on central government operations. There is consistency in GFS and budget execution data within the dataset, but not over time. Previous series are not adjusted for changes in coverage or methodology. Fiscal statistics are consistent with the national accounts, monetary, and balance of payments statistics. Revision policy and practice are well known, and the dissemination of preliminary and final data follows a regular schedule. However, preliminary and final data are identified by the name of the document and not through notations on the tables. Data correction is made in the period when the error is detected and not in the period in which it occurred. The coherence between preliminary and final data is sufficient to allow the former to be used with confidence.

30. The relevance of monetary statistics in meeting users’ needs is maintained through regular consultations with CBR departments involved in the implementation of monetary policy. However, there is no established and regular process of consultation with users from other agencies of government and the private sector. The timeliness and periodicity of preliminary data for the banking sector meet the SDDS requirement. The timeliness of the analytical accounts of the monetary authorities falls short of the SDDS requirement by only two days.10 Statistics are reasonably consistent within the dataset. Consistency checks with balance of payments and government finance statistics are carried out regularly. The revisions policy and practice for monetary statistics are made public. Preliminary data are clearly identified, and reasons for data revisions are explained. Breaks in the time series are explained in detail in the methodological notes.

31. Balance of payments statistics have maintained their relevance by a statistical program responsive to the needs of government and international financial institutions. However, established processes to assess other users’ needs do not exist. Timeliness and periodicity meet SDDS requirements. Data are consistent internally and over time, and are reconciled with merchandise trade statistics and the national accounts. Consistency with the external debt and international investment position (IIP) statistics result from the same data sources and reconciliation with other data sets are conducted. The revision policy is well established and transparent; tables identifying the cause of revisions, and providing a comparison of initial and revised estimates, are published each quarter. Investigations of unusual trends that result in data revisions and reclassifications are explained to data users.

Accessibility

Accessibility deals with the availability of information to users. Element refers to the extent to which data and metadata are clear and easily available and to which assistance to the users is adequate to help them find and use the data.

32. The national accounts statistics are accessible, the more detailed data for a fee and the other free of charge, on the Goskomstat website and in official publications. However, the data on the website are presented in html format only, which is not convenient for downloading into the electronic database or spreadsheets. A five-year series of detailed tables is published annually with accompanying charts and clearly labeled tables. The data are released according to a pre-announced schedule to all users at the same time. However, unpublished but non-confidential data are not available to users. Metadata are available, but do not provide sufficient information on the deviations from internationally accepted good practices and the nature of the source data. A publication on sources and methods is available. Assistance to users is provided through the identification of a contact person on the website and in the publications.

33. Data for CPI and PPI are generally accessible, but their utility is impaired by the fact that continuous index series on a given reference base are not presented in publications.11 Data are first published through press releases and on the Goskomstat’s website. However, simultaneous release is not achieved because lags of up to one day occur in posting data on the website. The Goskomstat publishes an advance release calendar. Metadata are available for both indices, but differences from international practices are not described. Assistance to users is hampered by incomplete contact information, and by the unavailability of a comprehensive catalog of publications.

34. Regarding data accessibility, the GFS and budget execution data are presented in a way that allows major aggregates and balancing items to be identified and related to underlying data. The presentation of budget execution data makes international comparison difficult. Time series are not provided. Monthly data are cumulative. There is no dedicated MOF publication for fiscal statistics; these are disseminated mainly through the MOF’s website and Goskomstat publications. Budget execution data are released according to dates specified in government resolutions, and are made available to all users at the same time. Data in “SDDS format” are released according to an advance release calendar. Non-published (but non-confidential) data are made available, but their availability is not publicized. Metadata explaining concepts, sources, and methods are only available from legislation. Methodological notes are not disseminated. Assistance to users is provided only through the contact person publicized in the “SDDS” section of the MOF’s website. A catalog of the statistical products and services by the MOF is not available.

35. Data accessibility to the monetary statistics is through the CBR website and Bulletin of Banking Statistics. The presentation of monetary statistics facilitates data interpretation. Monetary statistics are released simultaneously to all interested users according to an advance release calendar. Monthly time series from 1995 are disseminated. The CBR employs a proactive policy in the provision of data, leading to the dissemination of more detailed information in recent years. Comprehensive and updated metadata are disseminated. Assistance to users is facilitated by the identification of a contact person. Publications, documents, and unpublished but non-confidential data are provided free of charge. A list of publications is posted on the CBR website.

36. Balance of payments statistics are accessible on the CBR’s website and in hard copy publications. Data are released to all users at the same time, and in accordance with a preannounced schedule. Quarterly releases in the Vestnik Banka Rossii feature comprehensive tables, seasonally adjusted data, and an analysis of external developments, while a “What’s New” section draws user attention to new data tables. Metadata are accessible in the form of internet-based SDDS formats, methodological notes in the monthly statistical publication, and detailed appendices in quarterly releases. However, there is no comprehensive sources and methods publication (work on such publication is underway). Prompt assistance to users is a notable feature of the CBR’s website, and staff or departmental contact information is identified in all dissemination formats.

IV. Staff’s Recommendations

37. Based on the results of the data quality assessment, discussions with the Goskomstat, the MOF, and the CBR, and responses from data users,12 the following measures are proposed to increase further Russia’s adherence to international statistical standards.

General Recommendations

High priority

  • Pursue vigorously an action plan to enable subscription to the SDDS (see paragraph 4).

  • Pursue the passage of a Statistics Law that would, among other things, ensure confidentiality of individual responses.

  • Establish a Statistical Advisory Council consisting of public and private sector representatives to advise the Goskomstat on statistical policies and priorities.

  • The Goskomstat, the MOF, and the CBR to implement formal and regular mechanisms to solicit feedback from their data users.

  • Disseminate data on the Goskomstat website in a format that is convenient for downloading into spreadsheets.

  • Increase staff resources of the Goskomstat for national accounts and price statistics.

National Accounts

High priority

  • Adopt internationally recommended classifications for government final consumption expenditure and household final consumption.

  • Improve household budget survey and utilize results to derive estimates of household final consumption.

  • Improve deflation techniques for exports and imports of goods and services. Compile trade price indices and indices of international services.

  • Inform users of deviations from internationally recommended standards and explain implications of deviations.

Other key recommendations

  • Derive the output of owner-occupied dwellings using estimated rental values.

  • Compile financial accounts.

Consumer Price Index

High priority

  • Disseminate CPI weighting pattern.

  • Review and disseminate procedures for the release of data.

Other key recommendations

  • Consider the inclusion of services from owner-occupied dwellings in the CPI.

  • Reflect purchases less sales by households in the weight for used vehicles.

Producer Price Index

High priority

  • Publish the PPI weighting pattern.

Other key recommendations

  • Extend the coverage of the PPI to include exported goods.

  • Adopt an international standard commodity classification, as soon as practicable.

  • Review and disseminate procedures for the release of data.

Government Finance Statistics

High priority

  • Disseminate on MOF website the GFS published in the IMF’s IFS and GFSY.

  • Introduce a new chart of accounts and budget classifications aligned with the guidelines of the GFSM 2001.

  • Disseminate, on MOF website, discrete monthly time series on final federal budget execution and consolidated fiscal reports, including details of domestic debt.

  • Disseminate, on MOF website, quarterly economic classification of federal government expenditure.

  • Publish a detailed technical description of concepts, sources, and methods used in the compilation of budget execution data.

Other key recommendations

  • Compile and disseminate financing and debt data on the basis of residency, as well as currency.

  • Publicize a contact person for budget execution data.

Monetary Statistics

Key recommendations

  • Adopt a plan for the full implementation of the MFSM.

  • Expand the coverage of monetary data to include financial institutions that issue deposit substitutes.

Balance of Payments Statistics

Key recommendations

  • Disseminate advance notices of changes in methodology and source data.

  • Provide a further institutional breakdown of the banking sector to distinguish monetary authorities’ portfolio and other investment transactions.

  • Reclassify freight insurance under insurance services.

1

The Goskomstat has now published the price statistics in index format (1995=100) on its website. Also, the CBR has disseminated the analytical accounts of the monetary authorities in the timeliness prescribed by the SDDS beginning with the October 2003 data. These improvements were done following the completion of the mission and therefore, they were not included in the assessment.

2

The mission team was headed by Mrs. Armida San Jose and included Messrs. Jaroslav Kučera, Alberto Jiménez de Lucio, Thomas Alexander, Paul Austin, (all STA), Mr. David Allen (expert), and Mrs. Melrose Paris (STA—Administrative Assistant).

3

A detailed description of the SDDS can be found on the Internet at http://dsbb.imf.org. See also Appendix I of the accompanying volume to this report.

4

The Internet addresses are as follows:

5

The SDDS prescribes the use of one National Summary Data Page (NSDP) to disseminate all data categories in accordance with the data dimensions described in the metadata. Currently, each of the Russian statistics-producing agencies are using the NSDP format to disseminate their respective data.

6

The Generic Framework is set out in Appendix II of the accompanying detailed assessments volume to this report.

7

Information on data quality can be found at the IMF website on the “Data Quality Reference Site” (http://dsbb.imf.org/dqrsindex.htm).

8

At the time when international statistical methodologies were new to them, statistics compiling agencies had to deal with the complicated statistical treatment of certain developments such as the default and subsequent restructuring of public debt, as well as bank closures.

9

GFS compiled and reported to the IMF follow the guidelines of A Manual of Government Finance Statistics 1986 (GFSM 1986). However, GFS are not disseminated in any of the MOF’s publications nor on its website. Therefore, these data cannot be used by the mission in the assessment.

10

Beginning with the October 2003 data, the CBR has disseminated the analytical accounts of the monetary authorities in the timeliness prescribed by the SDDS.

11

After the mission, the Goskomstat has disseminated the price statistics in index format (1995=100) on its website.

12

See Appendix III for summary of results of data users’ survey.

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Cover IMF Staff Country Reports
Russian Federation: Report on the Observance of Standards and Codes (ROSC)—Data Module
Author:
International Monetary Fund
Volume/Issue:
Volume 2004: Issue 134
Publisher:
International Monetary Fund
ISBN:
9781451833027
ISSN:
1934-7685
Pages:
179
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5089/9781451833027.002