0.1 Legal and institutional environment

0.1.1 The responsibility for collecting, processing, and disseminating the statistics is clearly specified

The production of official statistics in the Republic of Belarus is the responsibility of the Ministry of Statistics and Analysis of the Republic of Belarus (Minstat). The Minstat operates under the Law of the Republic of Belarus on State Statistics (the Law on State Statistics), which was adopted by the House of Representatives on January 11, 1997, approved by the Council of the Republic on January 30, 1997, and signed by the President of the Republic of Belarus on February 17, 1997. The Law on State Statistics was developed in line with recommendations of Eurostat.

The Minstat is accountable to the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus and operates under Belarusian legislation. It has its own settlement account and other accounts with banking institutions.

The State statistical system for the Republic of Belarus comprises the Minstat, and oblast (including City of Minsk), district and city agencies of statistics. The Minstat and its agencies in oblasts, cities and regions, and other organizations subordinated⁷ to the Minstat constitute a single system of State statistics for the Republic of Belarus.

The Minstat is headed by a Minister who is appointed under the Constitution by the President. The Minister is a member of the government and is empowered to issue directives and instructions that are binding on subordinate statistical bodies within the Minstat.

The Minstat has a Board of Management that comprises the minister (as chairman), his deputies, and other staff. The Board of Management considers and determines fundamental issues relating to the organization of statistical activities (for example, methodology, questionnaires, release practices, staff appointments and terminations, performance at regional levels, organization structure, statistical program priorities, and budgetary allocations). The Minister of Minstat, as a member of the Cabinet of Ministers, reports to the government concerning major decisions made by the Board.

There is also an Inter-Agency Council for State Statistics, established under a government resolution, which makes proposals on methods and questionnaires, and considers proposals for the inclusion in the statistical work plan (discussed below). The Inter-Agency Council for State Statistics reviews proposals submitted to it, and makes recommendations that are forwarded to the Council of Ministers for decisions about financing.

The Inter-Agency Council for State Statistics comprises the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus (Chairman), the Minister of the Minstat, the Minister of Labor and Social Protection, the Minister of Justice, the Deputy Ministers of Industry, Finance, and Economy, and representatives of the Academy of Science and other bodies. The composition of the Council allows it to take direct account of user requirements to some extent, but it is not very broadly based in terms of membership compared with models in some countries. Due to its membership, it functions as an advisory body rather than an executive decision making body. The reports of the Council are publicly available documents.

Article 3 of the Law on State Statistics specifies the basic tasks of state statistics as:

• collecting, processing, compiling and analyzing economic and social statistics, using scientifically based statistical methodology; and

• disseminating statistical information to governmental authorities and other users.

The Minstat, its offices in the oblasts, cities, and rayons, and the other subordinate organizations constitute the uniform system of state statistical authorities of the Republic of Belarus. The Minstat is subordinate to the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus. The Minstat acts on the basis of the provisions of the Minister of the Minstat, as approved by the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus, and other regulatory acts.

Article 10 provides that State statistical authorities have the right to:

• receive statistical data, in the manner established by the central statistical authority, from legal entities, and entrepreneurs who have not formed a legal entity;

• verify the reliability of statistical data and, where distortions are found, to give mandatory instructions concerning their elimination and appropriate corrections in aggregated statistical data; and

• require entities to comply with the requirements of the Law, including entities that are not legally incorporated.

Under Article 11, ministries and other central administrative authorities that produce state statistics shall have the right to:

• receive and use statistical data “in the manner specified by Articles 5, 8, and 9 of this Law”; and

• monitor the status of primary accounting and statistical reporting, and check the authenticity of statistical data reported.

Under Article 12, State statistical authorities are required to:

• organize state statistical observations and provide government authorities with reliable and objective statistical information on the socio-economic situation of the country;

• ensure the accessibility of summary statistical information for a wide range of users, and give necessary explanations and comments on the methodology of producing statistical data, including through the mass media; and

• ensure that the primary data collected by state statistical authorities are not subject to disclosure and are used exclusively for statistical purposes.

The Minstat is required to provide State bodies and other users with reliable and objective economic and social statistics, including national accounts statistics. It also provides explanations about methodologies for compiling data.

Section 34 of the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus provides that citizens have the right to receive information on the activities of State bodies, and those bodies shall provide citizens with an opportunity to obtain access to the materials pertaining to their rights and legitimate interests. This Section of the Constitution is endorsed by Article 12 of the Law on State Statistics. The extensive publication program of the Minstat is consistent with this provision in the Constitution.

Within the Minstat, the National Accounts Department (NAD) is responsible for the compilation of the national accounts for the Republic of Belarus.

0.1.2 Data sharing and coordination among data-producing agencies are adequate

The Law on State Statistics provides for data sharing and coordination of statistical activities.

• Article 5 provides that ministries and other central administrative authorities shall compile state statistics in accordance with the forms and methodological instructions approved by the central statistical authority.

• Article 7 provides that State statistical observations (including state administrative data, one-time assessments, censuses, and sample surveys) shall be carried out by state statistical authorities, ministries, and other central administrative authorities on the basis of the methodological instructions, programs, and forms of statistical reporting approved by the central statistical authority.

• Article 10 states that decisions of the state statistical authorities, within their competence, shall be mandatory for implementation by ministries, other central administrative authorities, local executive and administrative authorities, legal entities and other individual entrepreneurs.

• Article 13 requires ministries and other central administrative authorities that compile state statistics to:

  • ensure the collection, processing, and reliability of statistical data in their areas of responsibility; and

  • supply to state statistical authorities, on their demand, statistical data specified by state statistical reporting.

The Department of Statistical Planning and Statistical Monitoring within the Minstat is responsible for ensuring effective coordination between the Minstat and the ministries with the primary responsibility for compiling the statistics and other data producing agencies.

0.1.3 Individual reporters’ data are to be kept confidential and used for statistical purposes only

Article 9 provides that information containing state and commercial secrets shall not be subject to disclosure, and stipulates that statistical information shall be used for State and scientific purposes and for informing the public. This provides for the protection of the privacy of individual data submitted by, and in respect of, persons.

Article 15 specifies that employees of State statistical authorities, ministries, and other central administrative authorities who produce state statistics must not violate the requirements of the Law concerning the collection and use of statistical data and for concealing and distorting them. Employees of the Minstat are required to sign a contract at the commencement of employment that they will not divulge State secrets. This requirement is reinforced in a Duty Manual supplied to each staff member. All computers are password protected. The Minstat’s officials informed the mission that there has been no instance where an employee has violated this requirement of the Law.

Article 12 further reinforces the requirement for confidentiality of individual data supplied. State statistical authorities are required to preserve state and commercial secrecy, and to ensure that primary data obtained from legal entities or physical persons are used exclusively for statistical purposes. Similarly, Article 13 requires that ministries and other central administrative authorities that produce state statistics shall preserve state and commercial secrecy. In addition, article 21 of the Law on Civil Service in the Republic of Belarus (law No. 204-3 of June 14, 2003) states, among the obligations of civil service that civil servants must not disseminate state secrets entrusted to them, and the disclosure of state secrets could result in their dismissal of the civil service.

The mission discussed with senior officials from the Minstat the question of release of data where only a small number of entities are involved. The mission was informed that, where one or two nongovernment enterprises contribute to a statistical cell, the Minstat ensures that such data remains confidential, but that these rules are not applied where government enterprises are concerned. The mission considers that more comprehensive procedures are required to guide staff in ensuring that statistics released do not disclose information relating to an individual entity, either directly or by deduction. This is important in order to maintain public confidence in the Minstat.

The Minstat’s officials indicated that there are situations where an entity may give written consent for the disclosure of information about the entity, but that the Minstat seeks to avoid too many such situations from a workload point of view. The mission observed, however, that it is not clear from the legislation that the Minstat has the authority to release individual data with the consent of the entity concerned. This is a legal right of statistical agencies in some other countries and the mission considers that the legislation in the Republic of Belarus should be clarified concerning this right, even though it is seldom exercised.

The Minstat should consider seeking an amendment to the Law on State Statistics enabling the Minstat to release data that would otherwise be confidential with the consent of the entity (entities) involved. This provision would need to be used very sparingly, but would allow publication of significant data where only one or two entities are involved; for example, the production of a specific commodity by one or two producers.

All survey questionnaires state clearly, on the top of the front page, that all information collected by the Minstat will be kept confidential and used for statistical purposes only. Officials of the Minstat assured the mission that there is adequate physical security for all premises, adequate physical protection of computing facilities, and various encoding procedures, all of which serve to assist in protecting the confidentiality of the data stored in the premises of the Minstat and guard against unlawful access to data.

0.1.4 Statistical reporting is ensured through legal mandate and/or measures to encourage response

There is a clear legal mandate for collection of information for statistical purposes. Article 8 requires that all legal entities, and entrepreneurs who have not formed legal entities, shall submit statistical reports free of charge, observing the forms, deadlines, and addresses approved by the central statistical authority. Article 8 also provides that questionnaires and deadlines for statistical reporting by banks, free of charge, shall be approved by the central statistical authority as agreed with the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus (NBRB).

Under Article 14, officials and entrepreneurs carrying out their activity without forming a legal entity who evade the mandatory submission of statistical data to state statistical authorities and also to ministries and other central administrative authorities that produce state statistics, or submit them in a distorted form or in violation of the established schedules, are in breach of the legislation. In addition, damage caused as the result of the submission of distorted statistical data shall be subject to penalty under legislation of the Republic of Belarus.

The Minstat’s employees are entitled to visit business entities in order to check the accuracy of the data reported in State statistical questionnaires. Such inspections are selectively undertaken by the Minstat, sometimes involving specialists of branch ministries. These measures result in a high level of cooperation and the collection of reliable data. In 2003, inspections on data accuracy were carried out at 3,700 business entities. Amendments were incorporated where discrepancies were discovered.

In the event that an entity refuses to provide information required under the Law on State Statistics, the Minstat may require the entity to appear before a court and the court may impose a penalty. Court action is, however, used as a last resort and exercised in relatively few instances. Such cases have received publicity that is favorable to the Minstat and this appears likely to have had a deterrent effect on others who may contemplate refusal to comply with the Law on State Statistics.

The Minstat, therefore, has very strong powers to collect information for statistical purposes and this is reflected in very high response rates and, presumably, in accurate responses in the various questionnaires. The Minstat does not appear to have used other approaches to encourage response, such as the provision of brochures explaining the uses and importance of specific fields of statistics and the supply of summary data, free of charge, to respondents.

The Minstat may wish to consider supplementary approaches of these kinds as means of maintaining high levels of response.

0.2 Resources

0.2.1 Staff, facilities, computing resources, and financing are commensurate with statistical programs

The Minstat has about 2,200 staff of which about 360 are located in headquarters in Minsk. About 90 percent of the staff is female. The overall staffing levels for the Minstat are regarded by senior management as adequate and the staff turnover appears to be relatively stable. However, there are difficulties in hiring highly qualified programmers because of their high demand and better remuneration in other organizations.

Retirement age is normally 55 years, but some retirees are re-appointed as temporary employees, in some cases, temporarily replacing a staff member who is absent on maternity leave. The Minstat pays particular attention to ensuring that there are sufficient staff numbers to effectively carry out its various operations, while allowing for annual leave, maternity leave, and other staff entitlements.

The NAD has 31 staff and the head of the NAD regards this as an adequate number for the tasks involved at present. However, any significant increase in responsibilities such as adding to the range of national accounts statistics produced, would warrant an examination of the adequacy of staff numbers. In addition, the reliability of the national accounts statistics could be enhanced by the allocation of specific resources in the NAD (for example, one person dedicated to estimation of the nonobserved economy) (see section 3.3.1).

Staffing has been relatively stable over recent years; for instance, only four new staff joined the NAD during the last five years. New staff typically join as graduates of the Belarusian State Economic University. There are not many cases of national accounts staff leaving to work in other organizations. However, there have been few cases of NAD staff on maternity leave in recent years.

The age profile of the NAD shows that about 50 percent of the staff are aged over 45 years (retirement is usually at age 55) and the other 50 percent are mainly aged between 25 and 35. The average age of NAD staff is 42.5 years. The challenge for the NAD is to continue to nurture and develop the “younger group” from which will ultimately form the leadership group. The NAD ensures that each specific section of the department comprises people from both the “older” and “younger” groups to provide succession. There are some measures in place to encourage the retention of experienced staff. However, there are constraints on promotion and merit increases within the civil service system.

The Minstat is at present in the process of providing additional computing capacity throughout the organization. This will include the replacement of a number of old computers with new ones with much enhanced capabilities. The NAD, at present, has 17 personal computers, many of which are now old and of limited capacity and speed. The NAD is likely to receive an allocation of new computers in April 2004 and the mission strongly supports this as a means of improving efficiency in data handling.

Data back-up arrangements for national accounts data are limited. Certain data are backed up on diskette (as most NAD computers do not have a compact disk facility) and aggregated data are stored on hard copy. The mission considers that greater attention should be given to backing up data on a regular basis, including off-site storage, to guard against the possibility of system breakdowns and loss of hardware and software.

0.2.2 Measures to ensure efficient use of resources are implemented

Resources within the Minstat are allocated in accordance with the statistical work plan that is developed each year. The Minstat arranges for statistical inquiries to be conducted in accordance with the statistical work plan for the Minstat. The statistical work plan is prepared in consultation with ministries and other administrative bodies. This instrument is used by the Minstat for coordinating and approving statistical plans.

The statistical work plan is developed in an iterative way, starting with submissions from the heads of each department. The Department of Planning and Statistical Monitoring in the Minstat then drafts the entire work plan for consideration and approval by the Board of Management. The statistical work plan is approved in August of each year and covers the following five years. It includes details of plans to be achieved in each department of the Minstat, and target dates for various stages of development. Each department presents information on progress and achievements at annual meetings of the Board of Management.

Article 6 provides that the State statistical authorities are financed from state budget funds in accordance with the statistical work plan that is approved by the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus. Additional statistical work may be carried out through supplementary financing from the state budget or funds provided by those requesting this work. The work plan sets out all statistical activities to be undertaken by the Minstat during the course of the plan, including target dates for completion of specific tasks. It is the responsibility of each department’s head to ensure that their components of the work plan are completed satisfactorily. The statistical work plan is reviewed annually by the Board of Management of the Minstat. There is a certain amount of flexibility to incorporate any important new statistical activity between annual reviews where a major new statistical requirement has been articulated by the government.

Under Article 12 of the Law on State Statistics, State statistical authorities are required to “use international concepts, classifications, and methods in compiling statistics as the basis for ensuring the harmony and effectiveness of the statistical system of the Republic of Belarus on all official levels.”

National accounts and other relevant statistics departments within the Minstat generally use consistent methodologies and classification systems, thereby avoiding the need for significant adjustments to the data and leading to efficiencies in data handling. The survey questionnaires are reviewed annually by the Department of Planning and Statistical Monitoring, and adjustments are made where required.

The survey fieldwork is conducted under the control of the regional statistical bodies and the source data are collected, reviewed, and collated at that level. The collated data are submitted to headquarters in electronic format. This minimizes costs of administering surveys and compiling statistical aggregates.

A range of external training opportunities has been provided in recent years for national accounts staff, including:

• technical assistance from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in the formative years of developing the national accounts according to System of National Accounts 1993 (1993 SNA);

• one multi-sector advisor and one national accounts advisor from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) spanning a number of years;

• training at the Joint Vienna Institute for about seven staff at different times; and

• training for about ten staff provided by the German Federal Statistics Bureau.

In addition, NAD staff meet once a month to consider and discuss specific national accounts issues and to learn more about new developments and improved methodologies. Over recent years, some NAD staff have benefited from participation in workshops organized by Eurostat. Staff also participate in meetings on statistics for the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). These meetings discuss methodological issues and ways of improving efficiency.

An evaluation of the performance of each staff member of the Minstat is conducted annually and continued employment (renewal of contract) and promotion is determined on the basis of the evaluation.

Improved computing facilities should enhance productivity in the NAD, and access by the NAD to the internal electronic communication system for the Minstat should provide further opportunities for improved productivity and data sharing.

The mission noted a large number of questionnaires in use throughout the Minstat and much evidence of duplication in data requirement, as well as cases where similar data are requested in different survey vehicles. For instance, 37 different questionnaires are used in the collection of agricultural statistics. The mission sees considerable scope for the rationalization of questionnaires and surveys to eliminate duplication while still satisfying the data needs for national accounts compilation and users in government and other organizations.

The mission considers that the Minstat should embark on a program of survey and questionnaire rationalization in order to improve internal efficiencies within the Minstat, reduce reporting load on respondents, and release resources for other priority statistical work, while satisfying the major needs for compiling national accounts. This task needs to be done carefully over a period of years.

0.3 Relevance

0.3.1 The relevance and practical utility of existing statistics in meeting users’ needs are monitored

Apart from the Inter-Agency Council for State Statistics, which focuses on methodological issues, there is no committee to provide advice about new and emerging data needs. The mission considers that the Minstat should examine the desirability of establishing a more broadly based user committee to provide it with advice on statistical policy, methodology, and priority issues.

The relevance and practical utility of the national accounts data in meeting user needs are not assessed in any systematic way. The Minstat has not conducted any user surveys in the field of national accounts statistics and does not have any mechanism in place to systematically monitor user feedback on these statistics. National accounts statistics have not yet been on the agenda for consideration by the Inter-Agency Council for State Statistics. However, the NAD does have close contact with a small number of users, often in the context of providing data or explaining methodology, and considers that it is well informed about user requirements and views on national accounts issues. The NAD does not have any plans for such a group relating to national accounts.

The Minstat should consider the potential benefits accruing from a user advisory group, representative of a range of users of national accounts statistics in government, academic organizations, trade unions, and the private sector, to meet regularly (about four times a year, after the initial more frequent meetings) to provide advice on the range of data produced, methodological issues, perceptions of quality, and possible future developments. It is worth noting that an additional potential benefit from such a user group is an improved user understanding of national accounts data and the possibility of external support in the face of criticism about the statistics produced. The Minstat should also consider conducting occasional surveys of users of national accounts statistics to obtain feedback.

0.4 Other quality management

0.4.1 Processes are in place to focus on quality

The Department of Planning and Statistical Monitoring within the Minstat has prime responsibility for placing a strong focus on the quality of statistical processes and products. It coordinates all work associated with the improvement and maintenance of statistical quality.

Staff of the Minstat participate in international discussions where statistical techniques and practices are discussed and this serves to further emphasize the importance of striving for high quality data. Some studies are undertaken jointly with Russia’s State Statistical Committee (Goskomstat) and comparisons of methods are conducted to share views and information about new statistical developments.

0.4.2 Processes are in place to monitor the quality of the statistical program

The Minstat’s Department of Statistical Planning coordinates all work associated with the improvement and maintenance of statistical quality. The information on such issues is considered by the Board of Management. All statistical questionnaires are sent to the Department of Statistical Planning for review. Then, the questionnaires are considered by the Scientific-Methodological Council of the Minstat and approved by the Minstat’s Board of Management.

The functions of the Board of Management of the Minstat include providing a clear focus on quality through close attention to methodological issues. This is, in turn, conveyed by management to staff throughout the organization. Each staff member is given a copy of a Duty Manual that, inter alia, reinforces the importance of high standards of work and the need to produce high standard statistics. In addition, staff members, as civil servants, are made aware of their responsibilities under the Law on the Civil Service, which includes references to the requirement for work of a high standard.

According to Article 3 of the Law on State Statistics, “Basic Tasks and Principles of State Statistics that is publicly available,” states that the basic principles of state statistics are: (a) objectivity and reliability of statistical information; (b) stability and comparability of statistical data; and (c) accessibility and openness of statistical information within the bounds set by the legislation of the Republic of Belarus.

The NAD addresses the quality of national accounts data through extensive checks on the validity of data supplied from the wide range of sources accessed. Data are analyzed for internal consistency and for comparability over time and also, wherever possible, they are checked for consistency with other data sources. In addition, broad national accounting and other aggregates are reconciled. In the course of this work, national accounts staff raise questions where necessary with the source organizations and provide feedback on the accuracy and reliability of the data and the need for possible adjustments.

0.4.3 Processes are in place to deal with quality considerations in planning the statistical program

In developing the overall statistical plan, quality issues are addressed, both at individual department level and for the Minstat as a whole. Trade-off decisions are made, for example between timeliness and accuracy, and between accuracy and resources. Such decisions are made at all levels of the organization.

Within the NAD, trade-off decisions of these kinds are typically made at the stage where the use of an alternative data source or methodology is contemplated. Another example would relate to further development of national accounts, where decisions about priorities are required in the context of scarce resources.

1.1 Professionalism

1.1.1 Statistics are produced on an impartial basis

Article 4 of the Law on State Statistics provides that the central statistical authority is subordinate to the Council of Ministers and shall act on the basis of the regulations approved by the Council of the Republic of Belarus. The regulations are prepared by the Minstat.

Article 10 provides that interference by any government authorities, officials, and other persons in the activity of the state statistical authorities shall not be permitted, and the mission was informed that there has never been any question of interference or attempted interference with the professional independence of the Minstat.

The appointment and termination of the minister are determined by the government. Upon election of the president a new government is formed. The present Minister of Statistics was appointed in 1998. The Minstat is contemplating proposing a change from a ministry to a National Statistical Committee, to help reinforce the notion of the independence of the chief statistician, making decisions based purely on statistical considerations and free from political interference.

Recruitment and promotion of specialists in the Minstat are based on the specialists’ expertise in statistics. Specialists are usually recruited from the faculty of the department of statistics at the Belarusian State Economic University. The Minstat encourages research and analysis by specialists to maintain the Minstat’s reputation for professionalism. Professionalism is also promoted through the encouragement of staff participation in training courses, workshops and seminars, to ensure awareness and understanding of statistical standards and good statistical practices.

1.1.2 Choices of sources and statistical techniques as well as decisions about dissemination are informed solely by statistical considerations

The sources and methods for compiling price statistics and component statistics are fully under the control of the Minstat, and concepts and standards follow international standards to a large extent. Appropriate data sources are used throughout the compilation of the national accounts. There appears not to have been any outside interference or attempted interference in matters of sources, methods, and dissemination.

Interference by any government authorities, officials, and other persons in the activity of the state statistical authorities is not permitted. There have been no known cases of interference or attempted interference.

Article 10 of the Law of the Republic of Belarus on State Statistics provides guarantees of independence in the selection of the methodology, data sources, content, and format of the data disseminated by the Minstat. According to the Minstat, there is no external interference in the conduct of its work. Article 3 of the Law on State Statistics reinforces this by stating that one of the basic principles of state statistics is objectivity and reliability of statistical information.

1.1.3 The appropriate statistical entity is entitled to comment on erroneous interpretation and misuse of statistics

Article 10 of the Law on State Statistics gives State statistical authorities the right to comment on the incorrect utilization and interpretation of statistics. The NAD informed the mission that on occasions it has received, and responded to, criticism about the national accounts data, and that the criticisms tend to be in terms of comments about the size of the movement in gross domestic product (GDP). In the opinion of the critics, the GDP movements are sometimes considered to be under- or over-stated.

The NAD provides some explanations about the compilation of the national accounts in its national accounts publications and these should assist in reducing the amount of public criticism. However, the explanations tend to refer mainly to the concepts used, with little if any information about data sources and methods. Much more detail is provided in the Methodological Guidelines in Statistics (2003), but this publication has very limited circulation (only 100 copies were printed) and it is not referred to in the Catalogue of Publications. The mission was informed that the Minstat plans to publish the Methodological Guidelines on its web site.

It would also be useful if the NAD could provide some analytical comments in its publications, identifying the main factors underlying unusual figures and movements, in order to improve user understanding of the data and reduce the likelihood of misinterpretation.

The Minstat has not regularly held any media conferences at the time of release of national accounts or other publications. However, requests are sometimes received for an article or a presentation on television, on a national accounts topic, and such requests are usually accepted.

1.2 Transparency

1.2.1 The terms and conditions under which statistics are collected, processed, and disseminated are available to the public

The Law on State Statistics was published in the Republic Newspaper at the time that it was signed by the President in February 1997. The Law is published on the Minstat’s web site in both Russian and English. Any user can request the Law from the database of legal and regulatory information, which is maintained by the National Center of Legal Information. The general public may also refer to the Law on State Statistics at the Minstat headquarters, and in the Minstat’s oblast, city, and district offices. Each of the Minstat survey questionnaires refers to a specific resolution made by the Minister of the Minstat that authorizes that survey.

As noted above, the national accounts publications show information about concepts and the Methodological Guidelines in Statistics provide considerably more detail about national accounts (and also cover all major data products of the Minstat).

The Minstat produces annual reports on its performance, which are considered at expanded meetings of the Board of Management, where there are invited representatives of oblast (including City of Minsk) statistical agencies and Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus.

The Minstat may wish to consider increasing public awareness about its activities and products (for example, through brochures and the provision of summary data free of charge) as a means of improving public confidence in the Minstat and maintaining a high level of cooperation in its surveys.

1.2.2 Internal governmental access to statistics prior to their release is publicly identified

The Minstat’s web site states that there is no internal governmental access to national accounts statistics prior to their release to the public. There is, however, an exception for annual national accounts data. The Ministry of the Economy, the NBRB, and other major users receive summary data in December, well in advance of the detailed publication, which is issued in the following March. Information on access to annual and summary national accounts data should also be published on the Minstat’s web site.

1.2.3 Products of statistical agencies/units are clearly identified as such

All national accounts data products are clearly identified as being issued by the Minstat on the web site and in publications. In the case of joint publications, the part attributable to the Minstat is clearly identified. The Minstat requests acknowledgement when its statistics are published by others, and this occurs in practice with national accounts statistics.

1.2.4 Advanced notice is given of major changes in methodology, source data, and statistical techniques

Major changes in methodology are noted in the relevant publications after their implementation, but not in advance of publication. However, major users are often notified in advance of methodology changes in the course of normal working contacts.

The possibility of major changes is foreshadowed in the statistical work plan, but this is received by a very restricted group of persons and organizations. The mission believes that the Minstat should consider publicly announcing significant changes to the basis for compiling national accounts in advance, including through press briefings. While it might be argued that some users are not particularly interested in knowing about upcoming changes, it is also fair to say that advance notice of this kind can be useful in improving user knowledge and reducing criticisms based on misunderstandings about the data and the underlying methodology. The mission was informed that, prior to 2003, advance notice of planned changes, in summary form, was given to the public in the National Register of Legal Acts. However, this practice has now been discontinued.

1.3 Ethical standards

1.3.1 Guidelines for staff behavior are in place and are well known to the staff

Articles 13 and 15 of the Law of the Republic of Belarus on State Statistics provide guidelines on correct behavior when the Minstat or its staff is confronted with potential conflict of interest situations.

Article 13, “Obligations of Ministries and Other Central Administrative,” stipulates that authorities that maintain state statistics are required to preserve state and commercial secrecy.

Article 15, “Liability for Violations Committed while Using Statistical Data,” states that employees of state statistical authorities, ministries, and other central administrative authorities who maintain state statistics shall bear liability in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Belarus for violating the requirements of this Law concerning the collection and use of statistical data and for concealing and distorting them.

Requirements regarding staff behavior are notified in the Duty Manual, which is provided to each staff member. The Law on civil service also provides guidelines about staff behavior. This Law was recently amended and training courses were arranged to inform staff about their responsibilities.

All new staff are required to sign an employment contract that outlines the ethical standards, and are reminded annually of these standards.

The Law on Civil Service requires civil servants to observe culture of communication and other norms of business ethics, not allow actions that negatively affect civil service, maintain confidentiality about work activities, and observe internal regulations of work procedures, especially with those related to confidential information. It provides guidelines about staff behavior, including the need to ensure the preservation of the confidentiality of data for individual entities. This Law was recently amended and training courses were arranged to inform staff about their responsibilities.

2.1 Concepts and definitions

2.1.1 The overall structure in terms of concepts and definitions follows internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or good practices

National accounts compilation is based on the 1993 SNA and the methodology for compiling the national accounts is described in detail in the publication Methodological Guidelines on Statistics (2003) and, in more summary form, in national accounts publications.

The requirement to adopt international standards in reinforced by Article 10 that requires the Minstat to cooperate in the field of statistics with the statistical authorities of other countries and international organizations; and by Article 12 that provides that the Minstat should develop and improve methods of statistical observations and indicators in accordance with international statistical standards.

2.2 Scope

2.2.1 The scope is broadly consistent with internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or good practices

The system of national accounts for the Republic of Belarus includes the following accounts and tables that are considered part of the minimum requirements for the implementation of the 1993 SNA by the Inter-Secretariat Working Group on National Accounts:

• value added and GDP by economic activity at current and constant prices;

• expenditure components of GDP at current and constant prices;

• generation of income account;

• allocation of primary income account;

• secondary distribution of income account;

• redistribution of income account;

• disposable income account;

• adjusted disposable income account;

• capital account; and

• rest of the world account.

The accounts (apart from expenditure of GDP and the rest of the world account) are classified by institutional sector.

The NAD does not compile the financial account. It has compiled some experimental estimates, but expects it will be some years before the financial account is fully developed.

The following additional accounts and tables that the Inter-Secretariat Working Group on National Accounts has determined as recommended for implementing the 1993 SNA are compiled on a regular basis:

• quarterly value added and GDP at current and constant prices by economic activity;

• quarterly expenditures of GDP at current and constant prices; and

• annual input-output tables.

Other accounts regularly compiled and published by the Minstat include quarterly GDP by income components at current prices.

The concept of residence used in the national accounts is consistent with the 1993 SNA and the Balance of Payments Manual, fifth edition. In particular, the following are included as part of the Belarusian economy for national accounts compilation:

• territorial enclaves in the rest of the world (such as embassies);

• free zones/bonded warehouses/factories operated by offshore enterprises under customs control; and

• workers who work part of the year in another country.

The production boundary is broadly in accordance with the 1993 SNA. The following items are in the scope of measurement of output:

• own-account production of all goods for own final consumption;

• research and development on own-account;

• output of goods for own-account fixed capital formation;

• mineral exploration;

• production of entertainment, literary, and artistic originals; and

• production of computer software.

Annual estimates of exhaustiveness are made for the various sectors of the economy, based on a variety of data sources and special surveys. Ratios are calculated from the annual data and incorporated in estimates for quarterly GDP data, to take account of under-coverage and under-reporting of legal activities. A systematic approach to these calculations is made, but resources have not allowed the conduct of special surveys to supplement the existing data and to improve the reliability of the estimates. The mission considers it is now important that the Minstat undertakes some small-scale supplementary surveys’ design to improve the estimates of exhaustiveness.

Illegal production is not in the scope of output measurement with the exception of illegal (home-based) production of vodka for which estimates are made. However, the NAD considers that the methodology for estimating the nonobserved economy may result in some inclusion of illegal production.

The assets boundary broadly conforms to the 1993 SNA and includes the following items:

Tangible assets

• defense related assets that can be used for civilian purposes;

• valuables owned by households; and

• agricultural work-in-progress.

Intangible assets

• mineral exploration;

• systems and standard applications computer software;

• entertainment, literary, or artistic materials; and

• patented entities.

Historical monuments, purchased goodwill and valuables other than those owned by households are not included in the assets boundary.

2.3 Classification/sectorization

2.3.1 Classification/sectorization systems used are broadly consistent with internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or good practices

Article 10 of the Law on State Statistics provides that State statistical authorities shall have the right to cooperate in the field of statistics with the statistical authorities of other countries and international organizations.

The classification of transactions, flows, and institutional units broadly follow the recommendations of the 1993 SNA.

The Classification of Branches of the Economy (OKONX) is currently used to classify economic activity. This differs markedly from the International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC), and users would find it difficult to make comparisons with data based on ISIC for many economic activities.

The Minstat has commenced implementing a new activity classification system, known as the General Classification of Types of Economic Activity (OKED). This is closely related to the ISIC and is fully compatible at the four-digit level. Statistics for 2004 will be based on both the old and new classifications, and it is planned that the old classification will be discontinued after 2004.

The national classification of products used in the Republic of Belarus is compatible with the two-digit level of the Classification of Branches of the Economy. Products within agriculture and industry correspond with the classification of products by activity at the one and two-digit levels. The Minstat plans to commence implementing the central product classification from January 2005 and this will be introduced over a five-year period. The Harmonised System is used in the compilation of exports and imports statistics.

The classification of individual consumption by purpose (COICOP) is used in the household income and expenditure survey (HIES) and in the compilation of household final consumption expenditure (HFCE).

Data on the execution of the State budget are classified according to the Classification of the Functions of Government (COFOG).

2.4 Basis for recording

2.4.1 Market prices are used to value flows and stocks

The principal valuation rules, which are broadly in accordance with the 1993 SNA, are as follows:

• market prices are used in the valuation of goods and services;

• output for own use is valued at equivalent market prices;

• intermediate consumption is valued at actual purchaser’s prices, excluding deductible value-added tax and including excise taxes;

• stocks of fixed assets are valued at purchasers’ prices;

• consumption of fixed capital is mainly recorded at replacement values, after taking account of revaluations;

• dwelling services are valued according to the cost of operating and maintaining the dwelling stock (with no allowance for the opportunity cost of dwelling purchase);

• household expenditures are valued at purchasers’ prices;

• imports and exports are valued f.o.b., consistent with balance of payments statistics; and

• foreign trade transactions in foreign currency are converted using the official exchange rates of the NBRB prevailing when the transactions take place.

2.4.2 Recording is done on an accrual basis

Most transactions and flows are recorded on an accrual basis:

• capital formation is recorded in the period the production takes place;

• government revenues and expenditures are recorded in the government accounts on a cash basis. However, the NAD adjusts the data to convert them to an estimated accrual basis;

• work in progress is recorded in the period when it is produced; and

• international transactions are recorded at the time the goods enter or leave the economic territory as documented on the corresponding customs declarations.

2.4.3 Grossing/netting procedures are broadly consistent with internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or good practices

Grossing and netting procedures are generally in accordance with the 1993 SNA. Value added data are compiled and published on a gross basis and are available on a net basis; that is, net of consumption of fixed capital.

Data are collected from enterprises through the enterprise survey and questionnaires also include key data in respect of component establishments. However, transactions between establishments within the same enterprise are recorded on a net basis for the enterprise, rather than on a gross basis.

3.1 Source data

3.1.1 Source data are obtained from comprehensive data collection programs that take into account country-specific conditions

Article 12 requires the maintenance of a single State register of enterprises and organizations of all forms of ownership and appropriate interaction with other registers and lists of ministries and other central administrative authorities. However, this register is in fact maintained by the Ministry of Justice. A Central Statistical Register is compiled, for the purpose of collecting statistics, by the Minstat’s Department of Statistical Planning and Statistical Monitoring, and is discussed later in this report.

The data used in compiling the national accounts statistics are derived from a wide variety of sources, including enterprise surveys (annual and quarterly), surveys for specific sectors of the economy, administrative data sources, and the HIES.

The compilation process is highly dependent on the enterprise survey data, with the specific sectoral surveys being used mainly as supplementary sources. Administrative data comprise primarily budget execution data (from the MoF). Use is made of the balance of payments data compiled by the NBRB and merchandise trade statistics, which are also compiled by the NBRB using data from the State Customs Committee. HIES data are used as the main source for estimating household consumption expenditure and household production. Information about issued licenses is obtained from a number of ministries to assist in derivation of estimates of the nonobserved economy. Other data sources include:

• surveys of large farms and all state and statutory farms;

• surveys of subsidiary plots;

• surveys of construction;

• volume data from transport providers;

• surveys of financial intermediation and real estate; and

• survey of employed persons, wages, and employment.

The NAD reviews the questionnaires used for major surveys relevant to the national accounts on a regular basis, in order to ensure conformity with national accounts concepts and definitions.

Following are comments on the major data sources used in compiling the national accounts statistics:

The Central Statistical Register

The Central Statistical Register is maintained by the Minstat as the framework for conducting most of its surveys and censuses. The register covers all legal enterprises, and is assembled based on information supplied by registration authorities operating throughout the Republic of Belarus, including at local levels.

All new legal entities are required by law to register, within a prescribed period of time, with the appropriate registration authorities. All legal entities that make certain changes (such as their legal entity name, location address, form of legal organization or type of ownership) are also required to notify the appropriate registration authorities. All of this information is sent to the Minstat and forms the basis for compiling and updating the register on a continuing basis.

The register is also updated with reference to relevant information obtained by the Minstat in the course of its regular censuses and surveys (for example, information on changes in name or form of ownership).

A number of different registration authorities currently exist, including at local levels, but the mission was informed that much of the responsibility for registration will be taken over by the Ministry of Justice. This is expected to result in more standardized systems and forms and more efficient practices for the Minstat in maintaining the register.

The Minstat plans to conduct a register updating survey in which entities currently on the register will be requested to check the information in respect of all characteristics contained on the register and inform the Minstat of all changes.

There are at present 90,000 legal entities listed on the register. The register includes public organizations, religious organizations, and groups of dachas (administered by village authorities), but subsidiary garden plots are excluded.

The register relates to legal entities and also contains information about component establishments within legal entities; these are also recognized as statistical units for certain survey purposes.

The concept of “small enterprises” is recognized for survey purposes. The definition of small enterprise varies across economic activities; for example, less than 100 employees for industry, less than 50 for construction, and less than 20 employees for retail trade.

The statistical units on the register are classified by main economic activity undertaken by the enterprise using the Classification of Branches of the Economy. However, the units are recoded to the General Classification of Types of Economic Activity, which is closely related to ISIC.

Enterprise Surveys

The annual and quarterly enterprise surveys cover all enterprises regardless of size.⁸ They are conducted according to the national classification of economic activities; that is, the Classification of Branches of the Economy for data up to and including 2003 and the General Classification of Types of Economic Activity from 2004 (with 2004 compiled on both bases). The concepts used in this survey are in accordance with the 1993 SNA.

The surveys are conducted at the enterprise level and basic information is also collected annually for component establishments within enterprises. A very detailed financial questionnaire is used for large and medium sized enterprises and a shorter, but still comprehensive, four-page questionnaire is used for small enterprises.

The response rate for large and medium sized enterprises is virtually 100 percent. This is due to the penalties that may be incurred under the Law on State Statistics in the event of provision of incorrect information or failure to complete required questionnaires (see Section 0.1.4 above).

Response rates for small enterprises are about 80 percent and, in addition, there are difficulties arising from insufficient knowledge about businesses that have commenced operation during the period, or that have ceased or changed the nature of their operations. This involves some estimation, usually on the basis of limited information. However, small enterprises account for only about 6 percent of total GDP.

Key data from enterprise surveys are checked against data from relevant sectoral surveys to assist in validity checking of overall results. Response rates for large and medium enterprises in surveys of individual sectors of the economy are also about 100 percent, while 80 percent is a reasonable indication of the response rate for small enterprises.

The enterprise survey questionnaires are sufficiently detailed to provide data for calculating gross output, intermediate consumption and gross value added, including details of the structure of intermediate consumption. The enterprise survey also provides data on investments in tangible fixed assets and intangible assets.

Data from the enterprise surveys cover the whole economy and special adjustments are subsequently made by the NAD for the nonobserved economy, as further discussed in 3.2.2 below.

Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES)

The HIES is the main data source used in compiling estimates of HFCE, a major component of GDP according to the expenditure approach. However, where relevant retail trade data are available, these are also examined and compared with the corresponding HIES data, commodity by commodity. On occasions, the retail trade data (adjusted to remove estimated sales to nonhousehold purchasers, such as for intermediate consumption) are used in place of the corresponding HIES data.

The HIES is conducted as a regular sample survey covering approximately 6,000 households. The sample selection is based on the 1999 population census with regular updating for population changes (births, deaths, and migration) based on administrative records. Adjustments are also made, in the latter stages of the census cycle, with reference to electoral roll data. The sample is representative of large cities, smaller cities within oblasts, towns, and villages.

The sample of households is selected so that each household has an equal chance of selection. Response is voluntary, but a response rate of 86 percent is achieved. Where a household drops out of the survey, mathematical procedures are applied to compensate for missing data. Households that change addresses are not followed to the new address unless they move within the same city and are easy to locate. Otherwise, such households are treated as nonresponse cases and their loss from the sample is compensated for by re-weighting.

Collective households (such as elderly and nursing homes, student hostels, hotels, soldiers’ barracks, hospitals, sanatoria, and prisons) are excluded from the HIES.

Corrections for nonresponse bias are made with reference to basic data collected for each household (including refusals) on characteristics such as place of residence, number in household, number of children under 18 years, number of elderly persons, and type of housing.

The sampled families are surveyed during a 12-month period, and each household is visited 17 times by an interviewer. Two types of information are collected.

• A diary is kept by each household to record daily expenditure for a 14-day period, including detailed descriptions of items, place of purchase and value, as well as daily consumption of food produced on the individual land plot (production for own consumption) or received as a gift. Sample families are equally distributed in to rotation groups throughout the quarter.

• An interview is used to obtain data on major household expenditures and incomes during the last quarter. This information is used to calculate annual expenditures and incomes.

Data produced from the HIES and used by the NAD include average monthly expenditures per household on 21 consumer goods and services items (based on COICOP). Food expenditure items are further subdivided into 26 items. The NAD also uses data collected and compiled regarding the share of food obtained from individual land plots.

Other HIES data used in the compilation of national accounts statistics include:

• household income by category;

• expenditure on rents and utilities;

• social benefits received; and

• own account fixed capital formation

The following categories are considered to be under-represented: high income households; entrepreneurs and self-employed households; and homeless people. In compiling the HIES data, some adjustments are made at macro levels to compensate for such biases.

Household consumption expenditures and acquisitions of fixed assets are valued at purchasers’ prices.

Expenditures on items such as tobacco products and alcohol are known to be understated, but corrections are not made for this when presenting HIES results. However, the NAD makes such adjustments in compiling HFCE.

Sampling errors for estimates are not routinely calculated, but users are alerted to data cells where the standard error of the estimate exceeds plus or minus 5 percent.

Agricultural surveys

Estimates for agricultural output and intermediate consumption are compiled using data collected by the Department of Agricultural Statistics within the Minstat. These data are compiled from a wide range of surveys covering topics such as: areas sown for crops, production of crops, livestock numbers and production, and materials used in agriculture. Financial data are also collected and compiled in the case of agricultural enterprises. Gross product estimates are published for agriculture and forestry separately, with no further disaggregation.

Other data sources

Data on government operations on the execution of the State budget are obtained from the MoF. These reports include data for both the national and local budgets. However, the data are not fully compatible with the definitions, scope, and classifications required for compiling the national accounts statistics. Hence, some adjustments are made by the Minstat. Reports on extra-budgetary operations, such as the social protection fund, are also available.

The balance of payments statistics are compiled by the NBRB. These statistics are used without adjustment by the Minstat in compiling the national accounts. The NBRB does not make adjustments for smuggling operations, but estimates the volume of shuttle trade based on household survey data and informal surveys of “open markets” (tax-advantaged retail trade operations). The NAD considers that smuggling is not greatly significant in the Republic of Belarus and that the incidence of border trade and shuttle trade has declined significantly in the last few years. In general, the NAD considers the balance of payments (including merchandise trade data) as compiled by the NBRB to be reliable.

The Minstat obtains reports from trade unions containing data on subsidies and payments in kind made to households at trade union expense. This covers services such as recreation and training expenses.

A range of other data from administrative agencies is accessed for use in the national accounts estimates.

In general terms, the data sources and compilation methods for quarterly and annual estimates are similar, with differences being due primarily to the reliability of source data and the range and level of detail of the data available.

3.1.2 Source data reasonably approximate the definitions, scope, classifications, valuation, and time of recording required

The data from the various surveys are generally consistent with the definitions, scope, classifications, valuation, and time of recording required for national accounts statistics. The NAD is consulted in the design/redesign of questionnaires to ensure major national accounts requirements are met. Annual data are compiled on a calendar year basis and quarterly data are compiled for the period being assessed.

The data compiled from enterprise surveys are sufficiently detailed to allow adjustments to be made when necessary, to conform with national accounts concepts. Survey data on outputs of goods and services are valued at basic prices and intermediate consumption is valued at purchasers’ prices.

Enterprises are classified by main type of economic activity according to the Classification of Branches of the Economy. The General Classification of Types of Economic Activity will be used as from 2004, and this is compatible with ISIC at the four-digit level. Data on government expenditure are available in sufficient detail to allow for the classification according to COFOG.

Two kinds of establishments exist within enterprises: those that maintain accounting records and those that do not maintain such records. Key financial data are collected from the first kind of establishment, and a range of nonfinancial data are collected from all enterprises.

3.1.3 Source data are timely

The national accounts for the Republic of Belarus are compiled on a regular quarterly and annual basis according to established timetables. The Minstat also compiles and publishes monthly estimates of GDP according to the production approach at both current and constant prices. The preliminary monthly GDP estimates are used to compile preliminary quarterly GDP estimates.

The preliminary monthly GDP estimates are based on output data for major economic activities including agriculture, industry, construction, distributive trade, transport and communications. The source data for the preliminary estimates are obtained on about the sixth to tenth day after the end of the reference month, and this timing is satisfactory for the compilation of preliminary monthly GDP estimates by the target date, which is the fifteenth day following the end of the reference month.⁹

Quarterly national accounts estimates based on actual quarterly data (as distinct from the partial data used for the preliminary monthly and quarterly GDP estimates) are produced by the one hundred and fifth day (twenty-first week) after the end of the reference quarter. In practice the estimates of GDP according to the production approach are available by the ninetieth day, but, are held until the finalization of GDP estimates according to the expenditure approach. The sole reason for the delay in finalizing the GDP expenditure approach estimates stems from the unavailability of balance of payments data from the NBRB until about ninety-five days after the end of the reference quarter.

Source data are available on a sufficiently timely basis from the major sources, including the enterprise surveys, the HIES, and the agricultural surveys. The major exception is the balance of payments data where the supply of data by the NBRB adversely affects the timeliness of the quarterly GDP estimates.

3.2 Assessment of source data

3.2.1 Source data—including censuses, sample surveys and administrative records—are routinely assessed, for example., for coverage, sample error, response error, and nonsampling error; the results of the assessments are monitored and made available to guide statistical processes

Household income and expenditure survey

The coverage of the HIES is satisfactory. The main exclusions are persons living in institutions, this practice is common in most countries. Sampling errors for HIES estimates are not routinely calculated, but users are alerted to data cells where the standard errors of the estimates exceed plus or minus 5 percent.

Enterprise surveys

The enterprise surveys cover all sectors of the economies. The surveys do not at present make use of sampling techniques although sampling of small enterprises is currently being introduced. The NAD makes various checks on trends in enterprise survey data. Data for large enterprises are checked for errors and inconsistencies, and, sometimes, the NAD raises queries directly with respondents in order to verify or amend reported data. There is limited opportunity to make comparisons with data from the taxation authorities as the economic activity classification used by those authorities are compiled at a very broad level.

Production approach procedures

The estimates of output and intermediate consumption, and, hence, value added, are compiled and published for 24 components based on the Classification of Branches of the Economy, based mainly on data from the enterprise surveys. Following are comments on some important components of the GDP according to the production approach.

Owner-occupied dwellings (dwelling services)

In estimating dwelling services, the NAD uses detailed data on dwelling space classified by type of dwellings. These data are valued according to the cost of operating and maintaining the dwelling stock. The mission considers that this approach would result in some understatement of the estimate as it makes no allowance for the opportunity cost of purchasing dwellings. The NAD may wish to consider reviewing this approach and/or considering an alternative approach in which data on market rents for equivalent dwellings are applied to the data on dwelling space. The mission recognizes, however, that there may be difficulties in obtaining reliable and representative data on rental values from real estate agents and other sources.

Work-in-progress

Estimation of work-in-progress is broadly in accordance with the 1993 SNA. Data derived from the enterprise surveys are used to estimate output of large construction projects spanning more than one period. Estimates of standing timber and livestock for consumption are derived from agricultural surveys, but perennial crops are not estimated as work-in-progress, and the total output is allocated to the period of the harvest.

Cash versus accrual recording

Data are generally recorded on an accrual basis. Government transactions are adjusted for arrears in order to convert from a cash basis to an accrual basis.

Expenditure approach

The categories of expenditure on GDP are derived independently, but adjustments are made in order to reconcile GDP estimates. GDP according to the production approach is compared with GDP according to the expenditure approach. The former measure is generally considered to be the more reliable. GDP estimates according to the production and expenditure approaches are reconciled through the incorporation of the statistical discrepancy as a component of GDP according to the expenditure approach; that is, as a balancing item.

The following comments relate to individual categories of GDP according to the expenditure approach:

• HFCE

  • HFCE is estimated for quite detailed COICOP components. HFCE is estimated using primarily data from the HIES, but with some reference to data on retail sales.

  • Expenditures on items such as tobacco products and alcohol are known to be understated and corrections are not made for this when presenting HIES results. However, the NAD makes independent estimates based on retail trade, production, and foreign trade statistics (the commodity flow method). Independent estimates are also made for textiles and for motor vehicles. HIES data are also used to make estimates of household production for own consumption; for example, owner-occupied dwellings (as discussed later).

  • Own-account agricultural production is estimated from data collected by village councils on areas of sown crops, harvested crops, and livestock. The own-account production is valued using prices of agricultural products sold by agricultural companies in various geographic areas.

  • Expenses of residents abroad are included in HFCE and expenditures of nonresidents in the domestic economy are excluded. This is consistent with the treatment in the balance of payments statistics.

• Government final consumption expenditure.

  • Government final consumption expenditure is classified according to COFOG at the one-digit level for the annual estimates. Government final consumption expenditure excludes incidental sales.

• Gross fixed capital formation.

  • Gross fixed capital formation is calculated on the basis of data from the enterprise survey. Data are collected on new construction activity as well as purchases of fixed assets. These are compared with estimates derived using a commodity flow approach based on production, imports, and exports.

  • Valuables are not estimated. Items considered stores of wealth are excluded from consumption expenditure and capital formation to the extent that they can be identified.

• Inventories

  • Estimates of inventories are available from the enterprise survey. These estimates are adjusted for holding gains. Enterprises write-off inventories using the weighted average prices applied for each inventory. The NAD revalues inventories as at the beginning and end of the period, using average prices of the period. The NAD reports that the data provided by respondents, and the underlying methodology, are generally satisfactory, but that judgment is required when evaluating the results of the calculations before finalizing the estimates of changes in inventories.

• Exports and imports of goods and services

  • Exports and imports of goods data are compiled by the NBRB on the basis of data from the State Customs Committee and in accordance with the balance of payments methodology Balance of Payments Statistics Manual, fifth edition (BPM5). These data are used by the NAD without further adjustment in the compilation of the national accounts.

  • Travel expenditures by residents abroad are estimates based on arrivals and departures data obtained from the NBRB and other ministries, together with data from a quarterly sample survey of resident travelers conducted by the Minstat in which travelers supply information about expenditures abroad classified by broad categories.

• The accuracy of administrative data received from other ministries, trade associations, regulatory authorities are not routinely assessed. According to the Minstat, these data are obtained on a regular basis, and therefore are not checked. Even though these data sources are approved for dissemination to the Minstat and are signed by officials of these administrations, periodic checks by the Minstat are required.

• There are widespread concerns, expressed by users and the IMF’s European Department, about the accuracy and reliability of much of the data produced by the Minstat, especially the GDP data and the industrial and agricultural production data. The mission’s focus did not involve an audit of sources and actual data produced by the statistical agencies. If the basic inputs used in the statistical process are distorted, it follows that outputs will also be distorted, even if internationally recognized methodologies are applied.

• Despite the assurances by the Minstat about the legislative provisions that require accurate reporting by respondents, and the powers of the statistical authorities to inspect records and verify reported data, there remains the possibility that some respondents may misreport on their statistical questionnaires in order to show results that accord with government targets set. This is the view that has been expressed by some users. This view is refuted by officials at the Minstat. It is clear that these issues need to be fully explored in a separate technical assistance mission.

3.3 Statistical techniques

3.3.1 Data compilation employs sound statistical techniques

The data compilation techniques are generally sound.

Production approach procedures

Estimates of output, intermediate consumption and valued added are compiled and published for 24 categories of Classification of Branches of the Economy, based mainly on data collected in the annual and quarterly enterprise surveys.

Following are comments on specific issues related to the production approach:

• Agriculture

  • Gross product estimates for agriculture are compiled using data collected by the Department of Agricultural Statistics within the Minstat. These data are compiled from a wide range of surveys covering topics such as areas sown for crops; production of crops; livestock numbers and production; and materials used in agriculture. Financial information is also collected and compiled in the case of agricultural enterprises. Gross product estimates are published for agriculture and forestry separately, with no further disaggregation.

  • The output of agricultural activity undertaken by households is estimated based on data from household surveys and other information from the Department of Agricultural Statistics. Output data for agricultural products from subsidiary plots operated by persons in rural areas are based on information collected by village councils on areas covered by crops, yields, and livestock. The value of such output is estimated at prices of those products sold by agribusiness companies in oblasts of the Republic of Belarus.

• Work in progress

  • The procedure for estimating work in progress is broadly in accordance with the 1993 SNA guidelines. Data are derived from the enterprise surveys to estimate large construction projects and output of large equipment. Estimates of growing crops, standing timber, livestock for consumption, and stocks of fish are largely based on data collected and compiled by the Minstat.

  • The GDP estimates according to the income approach largely use the same data sources as those for GDP according to the production approach. Use is also made of data from the survey of employment and wages, and data from the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection regarding social benefits.

• Compensation of employees

  • Compensation of employees comprises wages and salaries, employers’ actual social contributions, and employers’ imputed social contributions. The main data source for wages and salaries is the survey of employment and wages. Wages and salaries, as measured in the survey, include payments in kind. No adjustment is made to take account of “envelope salaries”; that is, wage payments that are not recorded in the accounts of businesses in order to avoid payment of social taxes. Based on recent research and analysis, the NAD considers that these are now of little significance.

• Consumption of fixed capital

  • The basic data for measuring consumption of fixed capital is obtained from the fixed assets section of the enterprise surveys. The survey asks for data on the stock of assets at the beginning and at the end of the period, changes during the period, and depreciation. The survey records the stock of assets at historic prices after deduction of accumulated depreciation (that is, residual values). Data are obtained for various categories of tangible fixed assets. The NAD uses three different approaches to the measurement of consumption of fixed capital, and compares the results before finally determining the size of the estimate. Effective quite recently, legal entities are required by law to revalue their assets on January 1 each year. This has led to some convergence in the estimates on the different bases and a greater confidence in the resulting calculations.

3.3.2 Other statistical procedures (for example, data adjustments and transformations, and statistical analysis) employ sound statistical techniques

Sampling is not widely used in enterprise and sectoral surveys and grossing up is not an issue. Grossing-up techniques used in the HIES are soundly based.

In order to allow for nonrespondents to surveys, data are grossed up by the NAD using employment data and information from the central statistical register.

The NAD makes estimates to cover the legal activities undertaken in the nonobserved economy. These mainly comprise activities that are not reported or are under-reported by respondents to evade taxes and administrative controls.

The NAD is familiar with the various conceptual models for estimating the size and nature of the nonobserved economy (for example, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Handbook), and has received advice on conceptual and methodological issues from the Statistical Research Institute. However, the NAD does not have the resources to conduct any special surveys to supplement other available data.

The NAD mainly relies on comparing employment data from household and labor surveys with employment data from enterprise and sectoral surveys. This leads to refinements of the estimates of self-employed persons and, ultimately, to estimates of the size of the nonobserved economy classified by economic activities.

Currently, the NAD estimates that the nonobserved economy accounts for 10 to 11 percent of total GDP. This is lower than in many countries in Eastern Europe, but it is recognized that the very strict government controls in the Republic of Belarus (including tight controls over registration of legal entities and strong powers of enforcement and inspection by the Minstat) serve to reduce opportunities for nonobserved economic activity.

The reliability of the national accounts statistics could be enhanced by the allocation of specific resources in the NAD (for example, one person dedicated to estimation of the nonobserved economy). This would enable further analysis of the various data sources available and the conduct of some small scale surveys to supplement the available data. Some technical assistance on measurement of the nonobserved economy could also be of considerable benefit. Measurement of the nonobserved economy is covered in IMF training courses on national accounts. However, this topic is not specifically included in IMF technical assistance programs.

Fixed ratios derived from benchmark surveys are generally not used in compiling estimates of GDP according to the expenditure approach. However, there are a small number of exceptions.

Specific quarterly GDP compilation issues

Seasonal adjustment is undertaken using X-12 ARIMA.

Issues relating to volume measures of GDP

Both price deflation and quantity revaluation (extrapolation using volume indicators) approaches are used. Where price deflation is used, the double deflation approach is generally adopted.

The base year for constant price estimates is changed every five years in line with international guidelines. The present base year is 2000, covering the years 2000 onwards. The previous base year was 1995, covering the years 1995 to 2000. Thus, the year 2000 is treated as the “overlap period,” and it is possible to create a longer-term series by linking the two series.

The constant price series for 1995 to 2000 are calculated on the base year 1995 = 100. The constant price series for 2000 and subsequent periods are calculated on the base year 2000 = 100. Thus, series for the year 2000 and the component quarters are compiled and published on two different bases, allowing the possibility of calculating longer-term time series.

The table below summarizes methods used to derive constant price estimates for the production approach.

Production Account: Methods Used to Derive Constant Price Estimates

(Using Existing Classification of Branches of the Economy)

Production Account: Methods Used to Derive Constant Price Estimates

(Using Existing Classification of Branches of the Economy)

Economic Activity	Method Used
Industry	Extrapolation using volume index of production.
Agriculture	Extrapolation using volume indexes of agricultural output, separately for public and private subsidiary plots; agricultural services extrapolated by number of employees.
Construction	Extrapolation using volume indices of assets constructed during period.
Freight transport	Extrapolation using a volume index of cargo transported (tons per kilometer).
Passenger transport	Extrapolation using a volume index of passenger movement (persons per kilometer).
Communications	Extrapolation using volume indices of communication services provided to legal entities and to private consumers.
Trade and catering	Extrapolation using volume indices of trade turnover.
Material supply (wholesaling of industrial components, etc.)	Deflation using producer price index (PPI).
Procurement (purchase of agricultural and other primary products)	Extrapolation using volume indices.
Real estate	Deflation using the total consumer price index (CPI).
Commercial market activities	Deflation using the total CPI.
Geology (exploration)	Deflation using price index of building and construction work.
Housing	Extrapolation using index of change in the volume of housing stock.
Public utilities	Extrapolated using volume indices of production and services.
Personal services	Deflation using price indices of various kinds of services.
Science	Extrapolation using number of employees
Finance, credit, and insurance	FISIM deflated using total CPI; the remainder extrapolated using number of employees.
General administration and defense	Extrapolation using number of employees.

View Table

Production Account: Methods Used to Derive Constant Price Estimates

(Using Existing Classification of Branches of the Economy)

Economic Activity	Method Used
Industry	Extrapolation using volume index of production.
Agriculture	Extrapolation using volume indexes of agricultural output, separately for public and private subsidiary plots; agricultural services extrapolated by number of employees.
Construction	Extrapolation using volume indices of assets constructed during period.
Freight transport	Extrapolation using a volume index of cargo transported (tons per kilometer).
Passenger transport	Extrapolation using a volume index of passenger movement (persons per kilometer).
Communications	Extrapolation using volume indices of communication services provided to legal entities and to private consumers.
Trade and catering	Extrapolation using volume indices of trade turnover.
Material supply (wholesaling of industrial components, etc.)	Deflation using producer price index (PPI).
Procurement (purchase of agricultural and other primary products)	Extrapolation using volume indices.
Real estate	Deflation using the total consumer price index (CPI).
Commercial market activities	Deflation using the total CPI.
Geology (exploration)	Deflation using price index of building and construction work.
Housing	Extrapolation using index of change in the volume of housing stock.
Public utilities	Extrapolated using volume indices of production and services.
Personal services	Deflation using price indices of various kinds of services.
Science	Extrapolation using number of employees
Finance, credit, and insurance	FISIM deflated using total CPI; the remainder extrapolated using number of employees.
General administration and defense	Extrapolation using number of employees.

GDP by expenditure approach at constant prices

The methods used to derive expenditure on GDP at constant prices are summarized in the table below. These appear to be soundly based.

Expenditure based on GDP: Methods Used to Derive Constant Price Estimates

Expenditure based on GDP: Methods Used to Derive Constant Price Estimates

GDP Component	Method Used
HFCE	CPI (at detailed levels).
Government final consumption expenditure	Goods: deflation using CPI. Services: extrapolation using volume index of government employment.
Gross fixed capital formation	Deflation using investment price indices and PPIs.
Change in inventories	Deflation using PPIs for industry and agriculture.
Exports and imports of goods	Revaluation using indices of physical production.
Exports and imports of services	Use implicit deflators derived for exports and imports of goods.

View Table

Expenditure based on GDP: Methods Used to Derive Constant Price Estimates

GDP Component	Method Used
HFCE	CPI (at detailed levels).
Government final consumption expenditure	Goods: deflation using CPI. Services: extrapolation using volume index of government employment.
Gross fixed capital formation	Deflation using investment price indices and PPIs.
Change in inventories	Deflation using PPIs for industry and agriculture.
Exports and imports of goods	Revaluation using indices of physical production.
Exports and imports of services	Use implicit deflators derived for exports and imports of goods.

3.4 Assessment and validation of intermediate data and statistical outputs

3.4.1 Intermediate results are validated against other information where applicable

Data derived from the enterprise surveys are assessed against data on output derived from other primary and secondary sources, including administrative statistics and selected data from the HIES. In compiling household consumption estimates, comparisons are made between HIES estimates and data from the retail trade survey and other sources.

3.4.2 Statistical discrepancies in intermediate data are assessed and investigated

The various survey departments within the Minstat are responsible for validity checking of their data and undertaking comparisons with external sources where relevant. In compiling the national accounts statistics, the NAD uses balance of payments data without adjustment. Data from the State budget report are used with certain adjustments to accord with the accrual basis.

In compiling estimates of HFCE the NAD makes comparisons of HIES and retail trade data as far as possible, and also makes estimates using the commodity flow approach.

In general, discrepancies in intermediate data are assessed by the NAD and major differences investigated. This results in the adjustment of data from the enterprise survey or selective replacement with data from alternative sources.

3.4.3 Statistical discrepancies and other potential indicators of problems in statistical outputs are investigated

GDP estimates according to the production and expenditure approaches are reconciled through the incorporation of the statistical discrepancy as a component of GDP according to the expenditure approach, that is, as a balancing item. There has been no systematic analysis of quarterly and annual trends in the statistical discrepancy over time, and the mission suggests that this may prove useful in determining possible error sources.

The Minstat compiles annual input-output tables, which are used by the NAD as a basis for re-examining the validity of the already published national accounts data for that year. The Minstat does not revise annual national accounts data following finalization of the input-output tables, but takes note of significant discrepancies for reference in compiling national accounts data for subsequent years.

3.5 Revision studies

3.5.1 Studies and analyses of revisions are carried out routinely and used internally to inform statistical processes (see also 4.3.3)

The NAD has carried out some studies of revisions. It would be very desirable for the NAD to make such studies, on a regular basis and over a period of years, of the direction and magnitude of revisions occurring between preliminary and final estimates (quarterly) and between preliminary and final estimates (annual), and endeavor to ascertain systematic errors and biases in data sources and methods; for example, consistent under-estimation of specific components in the advance GDP estimates when compared with the subsequent estimates.

4.1 Periodicity and timeliness

4.1.1 Periodicity follows dissemination standards

The GDP estimates are disseminated quarterly, however, the Minstat is not at present meeting the Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS) requirement (one quarter) due to the late finalization of the balance of payments statistics. However, the Minstat publishes monthly industrial production indices within two weeks of the end of the month, well within the SDDS requirement.

Detailed annual GDP estimates are published 15 months after the end of the reference year in the publication National Accounts of the Republic of Belarus. Summary data are produced 11 months following the end of the year and made available to selected government users.

4.1.2 Timeliness follows dissemination standards

Timeliness for the GDP estimates does not meet the SDDS requirement because the “full” quarterly GDP estimates are published on the one hundred and fifth day (that is, 15 weeks) following the end of the reference quarter. However, the Minstat publishes monthly indices of industrial production within two weeks of the end of the month. Accordingly, the Minstat could take a flexibility option in respect of the timeliness of the quarterly GDP estimates.¹⁰

From the viewpoint of users, however, it would be desirable if the Minstat could publish the full quarterly GDP estimates by about the ninetieth day following the end of the quarter. GDP data according to the production approach are compiled and available by the ninetieth day following the end of the quarter. However the release of the publication is held until the one hundred and fifth day so that the GDP data according to the expenditure approach can be incorporated. This also involves balancing the two basic approaches. The sole reason for delays with the expenditure approach results from the late receipt of balance of payments data from the NBRB. In fact, all required data, apart from the balance of payments data, are available on around the eighty-fifth to ninetieth day following the end of the quarter. It would be desirable if the Minstat and the NBRB could reach an agreement for the supply, to the Minstat, of the required balance of payments data at an earlier stage of each quarter with a view to advancing the release of the quarterly GDP by several days.

4.2 Consistency

4.2.1 Statistics are consistent within the dataset

The GDP estimates according to the production approach, are considered by the NAD to be more reliable than those made according to the expenditure approach. GDP estimates according to the production and expenditure approaches are reconciled through the incorporation of the statistical discrepancy as a component of GDP according to the expenditure approach, that is, as a balancing item. However, in reconciling the two basic approaches, the other components of the expenditure approach are reviewed at the final compilation stage, including reference to recent trends in such components, and adjustments are sometimes made to such components before determining the size of the statistical discrepancy. In the same way, the components of GDP according to the production approach are also reviewed and sometimes adjusted.

Analysis of the data over the years 1997 to 2002 shows that the statistical discrepancy in terms of percentage of annual GDP has ranged between minus 0.2 percent and 1.6 percent. The statistical discrepancy in terms of percentage of quarterly GDP has ranged between minus 0.2 percent and 5.0 percent. These are within acceptable limits.

There is a difference in presentation between the quarterly estimates at current and constant prices. The statistical discrepancy is explicitly shown as a balancing item in the current price estimates. However, the statistical discrepancy is included in net exports in the constant price estimates and not explicitly shown. This has been done for some years because of apparent distortions in the data series. Recently, the NAD commenced a review of this approach. The mission supports this review and in principle considers that the statistical discrepancy should be published explicitly in the constant price estimates.

4.2.2 Statistics are consistent or reconcilable over a reasonable period of time

The NAD made revisions to national accounts data for the years 1990 to 1999 following a joint study with Goskomstat, Russian Federation, of national accounts methodology. These revised data for the Republic of Belarus were presented on a consistent basis and published in a publication entitled National Accounts of the Republic of Belarus in 2001. Revisions were also made and published for the component quarterly series for the years 1992 to 1999. The mission was informed, however, that there were no significant practical differences between the revised annual and quarterly series and those published initially.

The constant price estimates are presented on a base 1995 = 100 (that is, in terms of 1995 prices) for the years 1995 to 2000 and on a base 2000 = 100 for the years 2000 onwards. Thus, the year 2000 is regarded as a link period in which data are available on both bases. It is, therefore, possible for users to make their own calculation of a long-term series through a simple mathematical calculation.

It is noted that the constant price estimates of GDP are shown in terms of 1995 and 2000 prices and that the series are also expressed in terms of the prices of the previous year (annual data), and in terms of the prices of the corresponding quarter of the previous year (quarterly data). The NAD states that some users prefer this approach as it is a more traditional approach, from the viewpoint of former Soviet Union countries, and one that they have become accustomed to, while other users prefer a series on a consistent basis for a number of years. The NAD also indicates that there is considerable confusion among users on this issue.

The Minstat should carefully explain the two different approaches in national accounts publications in an attempt to reduce user confusion on the issue.

4.2.3 Statistics are consistent or reconcilable with those obtained through other data sources and/or statistical frameworks

The statistics are consistent and reconcilable with other major data sources. In the case of the balance of payments and merchandise trade statistics, the data compiled by the NBRB are used in the national accounts compilation without adjustment. The government finance statistics (GFS) are partially adjusted from a cash basis to an accrual basis. The estimates of HFCE are broadly based on the HIES, but adjustments are made for some items such as tobacco products and alcohol. There are no other significant instances of adjustment.

4.3 Revision policy and practice

4.3.1 Revisions follow a regular and transparent schedule

GDP data are compiled on a cumulative monthly basis (that is, year to date) based on data for major economic activities and imputations for the other economic activities. The initiative of the Minstat in compiling these series needs to be recognized. However, due to the methodology used to collect the data, including reporting by respondents of revisions to past cumulative data, the Minstat is not able to compile discrete monthly series from these data.¹¹

The Minstat is able, however, to compile discrete quarterly GDP estimates from the cumulative monthly information.¹² Discrete quarterly GDP estimates are also subsequently compiled based on actual quarterly data obtained for all economic activities (production approach) and reconciled with GDP estimates according to the expenditure approach.

The initial quarterly estimates are revised following completion of the GDP estimates based on actual quarterly surveys data, and further revisions are made following completion of the annual national accounts data and the reconciliation of quarterly and annual estimates. This occurs 13 months following the end of the reporting year.

Revisions may be made to quarterly estimates following identification of errors that may have occurred in earlier data, but such revisions rarely occur in practice. However, the NAD seeks to learn from the experience by identifying reasons for revisions (for example, incorrect reporting, incorrect classification, inappropriate methodology, etc.) in order to improve data accuracy or reliability in subsequent periods.

Preliminary annual GDP data are compiled and published, based on the component quarterly data. The annual data are then revised following compilation of annual estimates based on actual annual data received from source departments within the Minstat and from other sources. However, further revisions to annual national accounts do not occur, even following the finalization of the annual input-output tables.

The revision schedules are followed closely by the NAD, and the various dates are generally closely adhered to. The schedules have been documented for the benefit of staff and are also incorporated in the Methodological Guidelines on Statistics (2003).

4.3.2 Preliminary and/or revised data are clearly identified

Preliminary data are clearly identified as such in the quarterly national accounts publication disseminated by the Minstat. There is no such note for annual national accounts data, except for the annual data for the latest year, as published in the quarterly publication. This is sufficient because annual data are not revised following the publication of annual estimates based on actual annual data.

The Minstat uses a standard notation to identify revised data in some of its publications. However, this convention is not used in most of the national accounts publications and revised data generally are not readily apparent to users. Only those users familiar with national accounts revisions policy would be in a position to identify which series may have been revised. This is an important issue for quarterly series, but not so relevant for annual series.

4.3.3 Studies and analyses of revisions are made public (see also 3.5.1)

Revisions were made to national accounts data from 1990–1999. These revised series were published, but no explanatory notes were provided in the publication. The Minstat informed the mission that this was not done as the revisions were not significant. Apart from this, systematic studies and analyses of revisions made in the normal course of national accounts compilation are not conducted, and, hence, there are no such studies to be made public.

5.1 Data accessibility

5.1.1 Statistics are presented in a way that facilitates proper interpretation and meaningful comparisons (layout and clarity of text, tables, and charts)

Annual national accounts data are published in the Statistical Yearbook and in the annual publication National Accounts of the Republic of Belarus. These publications are in both Russian and English. A summary of annual national accounts data is also released to governmental users; this is not an official publication. Some basic national accounts statistics are also published on the Minstat’s web site.

Quarterly national accounts data are published in the Quarterly Estimates of Gross Domestic Product and, in more summary form, in the Quarterly Statistical Bulletin. These two publications are in both Russian and English. These show GDP estimates at current and constant prices for recent quarters.

GDP data are also produced on a cumulative basis. Hence, GDP is not compiled on a discrete monthly basis, and it follows from this that users are unable to calculate movements in GDP over defined periods, such as April 2004 compared with April 2003. The mission considers that the primary focus should be on developing an appropriate methodology for compiling estimates for each individual month, but recognizes that this is not possible under the existing accounting law.

Input-output tables are published in the annual publication Input- Output Tables. The latest issue contains data for 2001 and was published in 2003.

Publication tables are in general clearly presented although the users’ confusion about the various estimates at constant prices indicates that there is scope for rationalizing the data published and/or clearly explaining to users the different bases. The publications rely almost entirely on tabular presentation with practically no use of graphs and charts. There are descriptions of concepts in the publications, but very little comment about data sources and methods. There are also no analytical comments about major changes occurring in the data from period to period.

The mission considers that users would benefit considerably from the provision of information about data sources and methods and from analytical comment about changes from period to period. This would also assist in improving the image of the Minstat as a professional, impartial, and relevant statistical organization

The Methodological Guidelines on Statistics contain much more detailed information about concepts, sources, and methods, but this has very limited circulation. The publication contains no explanatory notes about the revised methodology and its effects on the various series compiled. However, these matters were discussed with some major users at the time of publication. Similarly there are no analytical comments that highlight major trends for the guidance of users.

5.1.2 Dissemination media and format are adequate

Dissemination practices are generally sound. The data are disseminated on the official web site of the Minstat, in specific annual and quarterly national accounts publications, and in general statistical publications. The web site and most publications present the information in both Russian and English.

National accounts data are also available on request in electronic form (email, diskettes and compact disk). This availability is publicized in the Catalog of Statistical Publications. However , it is not advertised in national accounts publications.

The data on the Minstat’s web site are provided in html format, which can be converted into Word or Excel format.

The mission notes that the distribution lists for national accounts publications are quite small; about 85 users receive the publications.

5.1.3 Statistics are released on a preannounced schedule

The national accounts data are disseminated according to an advance release calendar disseminated by the Minstat for the upcoming three months. The advance release calendar is published on the Minstat’s web site. The list of published materials and their dates of publication are shown in the annual “Plan of Production of Statistical Materials,” developed by the Minstat. In addition, the Catalogue of Statistical Publications shows the expected month of publication for each listed publication. The Minstat is generally able to adhere to the target dates for release.

5.1.4 Statistics are made available to all users at the same time

All national accounts data are distributed simultaneously to all users through the internet and national accounts and general statistical publications, on the preannounced date of publication.

5.1.5 Statistics not routinely disseminated are made available upon request

Unpublished, nonconfidential sub-aggregates are made available to users upon request, but this availability is not well publicized. The Minstat has agreements with some universities and research institutions concerning the supply of unpublished nonconfidential data.

5.2 Metadata accessibility

5.2.1 Documentation on concepts, scope, classifications, basis of recording, data sources, and statistical techniques is available, and differences from internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or good practices are annotated

Descriptions of national accounts concepts are shown in the relevant publications and on the Minstat’s web site. This web site includes some metadata compiled according to SDDS guidelines. However, little or no information is presented in publications about sources of data and methods used. For example, the publications do not comment on aspects of the general reliability of the source data, including rates of response, sampling methods and standard errors (where relevant), and possible biases.

However, the Methodological Guidelines in Statistics (2003), which relates to all major Minstat data products, contains detailed information about concepts, sources, and methods. This has a limited circulation. Only 100 copies were printed, but extracts for particular sections such as the national accounts can be provided to users on request. This is the second issue of the Methodological Guidelines. The first issue was published in 1999.

Methodological Guidelines do not highlight differences and deviations from internationally accepted standards or guidelines, such as the economic activity and product classifications currently in use.

5.2.2 Levels of detail are adapted to the needs of the intended audience

In general, the metadata for national accounts are very limited and require considerable extension in order to assist users in understanding the basis for compiling the national accounts statistics. The exception is the Methodological Guidelines in Statistics (2003), which contains a very detailed explanation of concepts, sources, and methods. There is a strong need for supplying a more complete description of concepts, sources, and methods in publications, but not at the level that appears in the Methodological Guidelines.

The mission considers that users would benefit considerably from the provision of information about data sources and methods and from analytical comment about changes from period to period. This would also assist in improving the image of the Minstat as a professional, impartial, and relevant statistical organization

5.3 Assistance to users

5.3.1 Contact points for each subject field are publicized

The name and telephone number of the head of the NAD are publicized in all national accounts publications and on the Minstat’s web site. The head is available to assist users requiring further data or explanations.

5.3.2 Catalogs of publications, documents, and other services, including information on any changes, are widely available

The Catalog of Statistical Publications is published annually. It is made available as a booklet and is also posted on the Minstat’s web site. It is prepared in Russian and English. When first printed, the Catalog is sent to a list of about 250 users, including about 35 users of national accounts statistics. The Catalog is placed in libraries of the Minstat in Minsk and the six oblasts. The C atalog also provides information for ordering publications and order forms are sent to about 500 users about a month prior to the issue of the Catalog.

The Catalog provides brief comments about the contents of each publication and the language of the publication. It does not indicate prices of publications. Due to rapid inflation, which is currently about 30 percent per year, the prices are contractual, to be negotiated at the time of purchase.

The Minstat has a Department of Working with Users and Statistics Information, which is responsible for providing information and products to users. The Minstat has a library, which is open to the public, and a bookshop, both of which are located in the headquarters building. The full range of data and metadata are not available from the regional offices of the Minstat. For example, any user located outside Minsk who requires a national accounts publication must make a request in writing to the Department of Working with Users at the Minstat headquarters.

The publications show the site address and the email address of the Minstat, and the name and telephone number of the Head of the NAD.

While procedures are in place to assist and inform users about the Minstat’s products, some users have commented that they are not completely satisfied with the quality of the service provided, usually from the viewpoint of timeliness and availability of metadata.

Table 1.

Republic of Belarus: Data Quality Assessment Framework (July 2003): Summary of Results for National Accounts

(Compiling Agency: Minstat)

Table 1.

Republic of Belarus: Data Quality Assessment Framework (July 2003): Summary of Results for National Accounts

(Compiling Agency: Minstat)

Key to symbols: NA = Not Applicable; O = Practice Observed; LO = Practice Largely Observed; LNO = Practice Largely Not Observed; NO = Practice Not Observed; SDDS = Complies with SDDS Criteria
Element	NA	Assessment				Comments
		O	LO	LNO	NO
0. Prerequisites of quality
0.1 Legal and institutional environment			X			Limited procedures to ensure confidentiality maintained where small numbers of entities concerned
0.2 Resources			X			Improved computing facilities required
0.3 Relevance				X		No user advisory committee and user surveys
0.4 Other quality management		X
1. Assurances of integrity
1.1 Professionalism		X
1.2 Transparency				X		Advance notice only given informally; government access not publicly identified
1.3 Ethical standards		X
2. Methodological soundness
2.1 Concepts and definitions		X
2.2 Scope		X
2.3 Classification/sectorization			X			Economic activity and product classifications do not yet meet international standards, but soon to be implemented progressively
2.4 Basis for recording		X
3. Accuracy and reliability
3.1 Source data			X			Balance of payments data are late
3.2 Assessment of source data				X		Reservations about reliability of national accounts and some sectors (e.g., industry and agriculture)
3.3 Statistical techniques			X			Further attention to measurement of nonobserved economy desirable
3.4 Assessment and validation of intermediate data and statistical outputs		X
3.5 Revision studies			X			Studies of direction/magnitude of revisions overtime are not made.
4. Serviceability
4.1 Periodicity and timeliness			X			Quarterly GDP does not meet SDDS timeliness.
4.2 Consistency			X			Stat discrepancy treated differently in constant price estimates compared with current prices
4.3 Revision policy and practice			X			Revised quarterly data not clearly identified; revisions 1990 to 1999, but no explanations
5. Accessibility
5.1 Data accessibility			X
5.2 Metadata accessibility			X			Publications have limited metadata and no analytical comments
5.3 Assistance to users			X			Some users not completely satisfied with assistance provided

View Table

Table 1.

Republic of Belarus: Data Quality Assessment Framework (July 2003): Summary of Results for National Accounts

(Compiling Agency: Minstat)

Key to symbols: NA = Not Applicable; O = Practice Observed; LO = Practice Largely Observed; LNO = Practice Largely Not Observed; NO = Practice Not Observed; SDDS = Complies with SDDS Criteria
Element	NA	Assessment				Comments
		O	LO	LNO	NO
0. Prerequisites of quality
0.1 Legal and institutional environment			X			Limited procedures to ensure confidentiality maintained where small numbers of entities concerned
0.2 Resources			X			Improved computing facilities required
0.3 Relevance				X		No user advisory committee and user surveys
0.4 Other quality management		X
1. Assurances of integrity
1.1 Professionalism		X
1.2 Transparency				X		Advance notice only given informally; government access not publicly identified
1.3 Ethical standards		X
2. Methodological soundness
2.1 Concepts and definitions		X
2.2 Scope		X
2.3 Classification/sectorization			X			Economic activity and product classifications do not yet meet international standards, but soon to be implemented progressively
2.4 Basis for recording		X
3. Accuracy and reliability
3.1 Source data			X			Balance of payments data are late
3.2 Assessment of source data				X		Reservations about reliability of national accounts and some sectors (e.g., industry and agriculture)
3.3 Statistical techniques			X			Further attention to measurement of nonobserved economy desirable
3.4 Assessment and validation of intermediate data and statistical outputs		X
3.5 Revision studies			X			Studies of direction/magnitude of revisions overtime are not made.
4. Serviceability
4.1 Periodicity and timeliness			X			Quarterly GDP does not meet SDDS timeliness.
4.2 Consistency			X			Stat discrepancy treated differently in constant price estimates compared with current prices
4.3 Revision policy and practice			X			Revised quarterly data not clearly identified; revisions 1990 to 1999, but no explanations
5. Accessibility
5.1 Data accessibility			X
5.2 Metadata accessibility			X			Publications have limited metadata and no analytical comments
5.3 Assistance to users			X			Some users not completely satisfied with assistance provided

0.1 Legal and institutional environment

0.1.1 The responsibility for collecting, processing, and disseminating the statistics is clearly specified

The production of official statistics in the Republic of Belarus is the responsibility of the Ministry of Statistics and Analysis of the Republic of Belarus (Minstat). The Minstat operates under the Law of the Republic of Belarus on State Statistics (the Law on State Statistics), which was adopted by the House of Representatives on January 11, 1997, approved by the Council of the Republic on January 30, 1997, and signed by the President of the Republic of Belarus on February 17, 1997. The Law on State Statistics was developed in line with recommendations of Eurostat.

The Minstat is accountable to the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus and operates under Belarusian legislation. It has its own settlement account and other accounts with banking institutions.

The State statistical system for the Republic of Belarus comprises the Minstat, and oblast (including City of Minsk), district and city agencies of statistics. The Minstat and its agencies in oblasts, cities and regions, and other organizations subordinated¹³ to the Minstat constitute a single system of State statistics for the Republic of Belarus.

The Minstat is headed by a Minister who is appointed under the Constitution by the President. The Minister is a member of the government and is empowered to issue directives and instructions that are binding on subordinate statistical bodies within the Minstat.

The Minstat has a Board of Management that comprises the minister (as chairman), his deputies, and other staff. The Board of Management considers and determines fundamental issues relating to the organization of statistical activities (for example, methodology, questionnaires, release practices, staff appointments and terminations, performance at regional levels, organization structure, statistical program priorities, and budgetary allocations). The Minister of Minstat, as a member of the Cabinet of Ministers, reports to the government concerning major decisions made by the Board.

There is also an Inter-Agency Council for State Statistics, established under a government resolution, which makes proposals on methods and questionnaires, and considers proposals for the inclusion in the statistical work plan (discussed below). The Inter-Agency Council for State Statistics reviews proposals submitted to it, and makes recommendations that are forwarded to the Council of Ministers for decisions about financing.

The Inter-Agency Council for State Statistics comprises the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus (Chairman), the Minister of the Minstat, the Minister of Labor and Social Protection, the Minister of Justice, the Deputy Ministers of Industry, Finance, and Economy, and representatives of the Academy of Science and other bodies. The composition of the Council allows it to take direct account of user requirements to some extent, but it is not very broadly based in terms of membership compared with models in some countries. Due to its membership, it functions as an advisory body rather than an executive decision making body. The reports of the Council are publicly available documents.

Article 3 of the Law on State Statistics specifies the basic tasks of state statistics as:

• collecting, processing, compiling and analyzing economic and social statistics, using scientifically based statistical methodology; and

• disseminating statistical information to governmental authorities and other users.

The Minstat, its offices in the oblasts, cities, and rayons, and the other subordinate organizations constitute the uniform system of state statistical authorities of the Republic of Belarus. The Minstat is subordinate to the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus. The Minstat acts on the basis of the provisions of the Minister of the Minstat, as approved by the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus, and other regulatory acts.

Article 10 provides that State statistical authorities have the right to:

• receive statistical data, in the manner established by the central statistical authority, from legal entities, and entrepreneurs who have not formed a legal entity;

• verify the reliability of statistical data and, where distortions are found, to give mandatory instructions concerning their elimination and appropriate corrections in aggregated statistical data; and

• require entities to comply with the requirements of the Law, including entities that are not legally incorporated.

Under Article 11, ministries and other central administrative authorities that produce state statistics shall have the right to:

• receive and use statistical data “in the manner specified by Articles 5, 8, and 9 of this Law”; and

• monitor the status of primary accounting and statistical reporting, and check the authenticity of statistical data reported.

Under Article 12, State statistical authorities are required to:

• organize state statistical observations and provide government authorities with reliable and objective statistical information on the socio-economic situation of the country;

• ensure the accessibility of summary statistical information for a wide range of users, and give necessary explanations and comments on the methodology of producing statistical data, including through the mass media; and

• ensure that the primary data collected by state statistical authorities are not subject to disclosure and are used exclusively for statistical purposes.

The Minstat is required to provide State bodies and other users with reliable and objective economic and social statistics, including national accounts statistics. It also provides explanations about methodologies for compiling data.

Section 34 of the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus provides that citizens have the right to receive information on the activities of State bodies, and those bodies shall provide citizens with an opportunity to obtain access to the materials pertaining to their rights and legitimate interests. This Section of the Constitution is endorsed by Article 12 of the Law on State Statistics. The extensive publication program of the Minstat is consistent with this provision in the Constitution.

Within the Minstat, the Department of Price Statistics (DPS) is responsible for the compilation of the Consumer Price Index for the Republic of Belarus.

0.1.2 Data sharing and coordination among data-producing agencies are adequate

The Law on State Statistics provides for data sharing and coordination of statistical activities.

• Article 5 provides that ministries and other central administrative authorities shall compile state statistics in accordance with the forms and methodological instructions approved by the central statistical authority.

• Article 7 provides that State statistical observations (including state administrative data, one-time assessments, censuses, and sample surveys) shall be carried out by state statistical authorities, ministries, and other central administrative authorities on the basis of the methodological instructions, programs, and forms of statistical reporting approved by the central statistical authority.

• Article 10 states that decisions of the state statistical authorities, within their competence, shall be mandatory for implementation by ministries, other central administrative authorities, local executive and administrative authorities, legal entities and other individual entrepreneurs.

• Article 13 requires ministries and other central administrative authorities that compile state statistics to:

  • ensure the collection, processing, and reliability of statistical data in their areas of responsibility; and

  • supply to state statistical authorities, on their demand, statistical data specified by state statistical reporting.

The Department of Statistical Planning and Statistical Monitoring within the Minstat is responsible for ensuring effective coordination between the Minstat and the ministries with the primary responsibility for compiling the statistics and other data producing agencies.

0.1.3 Individual reporters’ data are to be kept confidential and used for statistical purposes only

Article 9 provides that information containing state and commercial secrets shall not be subject to disclosure, and stipulates that statistical information shall be used for State and scientific purposes and for informing the public. This provides for the protection of the privacy of individual data submitted by, and in respect of, persons.

Article 15 specifies that employees of State statistical authorities, ministries, and other central administrative authorities who produce state statistics must not violate the requirements of the Law concerning the collection and use of statistical data and for concealing and distorting them. Employees of the Minstat are required to sign a contract at the commencement of employment that they will not divulge State secrets. This requirement is reinforced in a Duty Manual supplied to each staff member. All computers are password protected. The Minstat’s officials informed the mission that there has been no instance where an employee has violated this requirement of the Law.

Article 12 further reinforces the requirement for confidentiality of individual data supplied. State statistical authorities are required to preserve state and commercial secrecy, and to ensure that primary data obtained from legal entities or physical persons are used exclusively for statistical purposes. Similarly, Article 13 requires that ministries and other central administrative authorities that produce state statistics shall preserve state and commercial secrecy. In addition, article 21 of the Law on Civil Service in the Republic of Belarus (law No. 204-3 of June 14, 2003) states, among the obligations of civil service, that civil servants must not disseminate state secrets entrusted to them, and the disclosure of state secrets could result in their dismissal of the civil service.

The mission discussed with senior officials from the Minstat the question of release of data where only a small number of entities are involved. The mission was informed that, where one or two nongovernment enterprises contribute to a statistical cell, the Minstat ensures that such data remains confidential, but that these rules are not applied where government enterprises are concerned. The mission considers that more comprehensive procedures are required to guide staff in ensuring that statistics released do not disclose information relating to an individual entity, either directly or by deduction. This is important in order to maintain public confidence in the Minstat.

The Minstat’s officials indicated that there are situations where an entity may give written consent for the disclosure of information about the entity, but that the Minstat seeks to avoid too many such situations from a workload point of view. The mission observed, however, that it is not clear from the legislation that the Minstat has the authority to release individual data with the consent of the entity concerned. This is a legal right of statistical agencies in some other countries and the mission considers that the legislation in the Republic of Belarus should be clarified concerning this right, even though it is seldom exercised.

The Minstat should consider seeking an amendment to the Law on State Statistics enabling the Minstat to release data that would otherwise be confidential with the consent of the entity (entities) involved. This provision would need to be used very sparingly, but would allow publication of significant data where only one or two entities are involved; e.g., the production of a specific commodity by one or two producers.

All survey questionnaires state clearly, on the top of the front page, that all information collected by the Minstat will be kept confidential and used for statistical purposes only.

Officials of the Minstat assured the mission that there is adequate physical security for all premises, adequate physical protection of computing facilities, and various encoding procedures, all of which serve to assist in protecting the confidentiality of the data stored in the premises of the Minstat and guard against unlawful access to data.

The staff is sensitive to issues regarding data confidentiality and takes appropriate measures to ensure that respondents’ information are guarded. All computers are password protected, and a local network is provided only for prices information.

Confidentiality agreements are signed by CPI specialists. CPI data are presented only in aggregated and consolidated manner for researchers and other persons requesting data.

0.1.4 Statistical reporting is ensured through legal mandate and/or measures to encourage response

There is a clear legal mandate for collection of information for statistical purposes. Article 8 requires that all legal entities, and entrepreneurs who have not formed legal entities, shall submit statistical reports free of charge, observing the forms, deadlines, and addresses approved by the central statistical authority. Article 8 also provides that questionnaires and deadlines for statistical reporting by banks, free of charge, shall be approved by the central statistical authority as agreed with the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus (NBRB).

Under Article 14, officials and entrepreneurs carrying out their activity without forming a legal entity who evade the mandatory submission of statistical data to state statistical authorities and also to ministries and other central administrative authorities that produce state statistics, or submit them in a distorted form or in violation of the established schedules, are in breach of the legislation. In addition, damage caused as the result of the submission of distorted statistical data shall be subject to penalty under legislation of the Republic of Belarus.

The Minstat’s employees are entitled to visit business entities in order to check the accuracy of the data reported in State statistical questionnaires. Such inspections are selectively undertaken by the Minstat, sometimes involving specialists of branch ministries. These measures result in a high level of cooperation and the collection of reliable data. In 2003, inspections on data accuracy were carried out at 3,700 business entities. Amendments were incorporated where discrepancies were discovered.

In the event that an entity refuses to provide information required under the Law on State Statistics, the Minstat may require the entity to appear before a court and the court may impose a penalty. Court action is, however, used as a last resort and exercised in relatively few instances. Such cases have received publicity that is favorable to the Minstat and this appears likely to have had a deterrent effect on others who may contemplate refusal to comply with the Law on State Statistics.

The Minstat, therefore, has very strong powers to collect information for statistical purposes and this is reflected in very high response rates and, presumably, in accurate responses in the various questionnaires. The Minstat does not appear to have used other approaches to encourage response, such as the provision of brochures explaining the uses and importance of specific fields of statistics and the supply of summary data, free of charge, to respondents.

The Minstat may wish to consider supplementary approaches of these kinds as means of maintaining high levels of response.

In order to avoid nonresponses, all households are given clear instructions on how to provide price information.

0.2 Resources

0.2.1 Staff, facilities, computing resources, and financing are commensurate with statistical programs

The Minstat has about 2,200 staff of which about 360 are located in headquarters in Minsk. About 90 percent of the staff is female. The overall staffing levels for the Minstat are regarded by senior management as adequate and staff turnover is not regarded as a significant problem; in fact the overall staff situation appears to be relatively stable. Retirement age is normally 55 years for women, but some retirees are re-appointed as temporary employees, in some cases temporarily replacing a staff member who is absent on maternity leave. The Minstat pays particular attention to ensuring that there are sufficient staff members to effectively carry out its various operations, while allowing for annual leave, maternity leave and other staff entitlements. There are some measures in place to encourage the retention of experienced staff. However, there are constraints on promotion and merit increases within the civil service system.

Number of staff working on prices appears adequate.

The Minstat’s Department of Price Statistics

The Minstat’s Department of Price Statistics

Number of Units	Geographic Breakdown	Number of Staff	CPI	PPI	Head of Prices
Minsk	Republic level	17	10	6	1
Regions (6)	Regional level	8-10	Not separately assigned for CPI and PPI
Capital and four districts	District level	118	–	–	–
Total		235

View Table

The Minstat’s Department of Price Statistics

Number of Units	Geographic Breakdown	Number of Staff	CPI	PPI	Head of Prices
Minsk	Republic level	17	10	6	1
Regions (6)	Regional level	8-10	Not separately assigned for CPI and PPI
Capital and four districts	District level	118	–	–	–
Total		235

The Republic of Belarus is geographically divided into six regions and Minsk City. The statistical survey for prices is arranged in 31 cities and towns of the country, including Minsk City, all regional centers, and four district centers in each region. At the regional level, work is done on both the CPI and PPI. At the republic level, there are ten specialists who work on the CPI, all of whom are university graduates.

Plans for prices expansion are gradual, thus, there are no needs for increases in staff and resources. The Minstat’s salary levels are adequate for the nature of work, and are competitive with the private sector for comparable jobs and positions.

Computing needs and technology appear adequate. In April 2003, software was developed to estimate core inflation. The CPI data are saved on two computers plus on a floppy disk that are all housed in the Minstat.

There are no provisions of emergency back-up systems for retrieval of CPI statistical series and their updates in the event of natural disasters, accidents, and other unusual events.

0.2.2 Measures to ensure efficient use of resources are implemented

Resources within the Minstat are allocated in accordance with the statistical work plan that is developed each year. The Minstat arranges for statistical inquiries to be conducted in accordance with the statistical work plan for the Minstat. The statistical work plan is prepared in consultation with ministries and other administrative bodies. This instrument is used by the Minstat for coordinating and approving statistical plans.

The statistical work plan is developed in an iterative way, starting with submissions from the heads of each department. The Department of Planning and Statistical Monitoring in the Minstat then drafts the entire work plan for consideration and approval by the Board of Management. The statistical work plan is approved in August of each year and covers the following five years. It includes details of plans to be achieved in each department of the Minstat, and target dates for various stages of development. Each department presents information on progress and achievements at annual meetings of the Board of Management.

Article 6 provides that the State statistical authorities are financed from state budget funds in accordance with the statistical work plan that is approved by the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus. Additional statistical work may be carried out through supplementary financing from the state budget or funds provided by those requesting this work. The work plan sets out all statistical activities to be undertaken by the Minstat during the course of the plan, including target dates for completion of specific tasks. It is the responsibility of each department’s head to ensure that their components of the work plan are completed satisfactorily. The statistical work plan is reviewed annually by the Board of Management of the Minstat. There is a certain amount of flexibility to incorporate any important new statistical activity between annual reviews where a major new statistical requirement has been articulated by the government.

Under Article 12 of the Law on State Statistics, State statistical authorities are required to “use international concepts, classifications, and methods in compiling statistics as the basis for ensuring the harmony and effectiveness of the statistical system of the Republic of Belarus on all official levels.”

On an annual basis, a report on the specialists’ performance is prepared by the head of the DPS for the Minstat. If a specialist work performance is inadequate, that specialist is terminated. Employment contracts for the Minstat staff are renewed every one to three years.

Efficiencies are sought through periodic reviews of work processes. Consistent concepts, classification, and other methodologies across categories are encouraged. The surveys are conducted and the source data are collected at the district level, then the source data are reviewed and collated at the regional level. The CPI data are then transmitted through dedicated lines to the Minstat.

The Minstat sends representatives to CIS meetings on statistics to discuss common problems and to get information on methodologies and ways of improving efficiency.

0.3 Relevance

0.3.1 The relevance and practical utility of existing statistics in meeting users’ needs are monitored

Apart from the Inter-Agency Council for State Statistics, which focuses on methodological issues, there is no committee to provide advice about new and emerging data needs. The mission considers that the Minstat should examine the desirability of establishing a more broadly based user committee to provide it with advice on statistical policy, methodology, and priority issues.

Feedback from users on the quality standards of the CPI statistics is not solicited. There are no initiatives or projects in place to facilitate feedback from users of price statistics. The Research Institute of Economics solicits user feedback on data quality from business managers. However, the institute’s idea of user feedback on data quality was conveyed to the Inter-Agency Council for State Statistics, but due to lack of resources, the project was put on hold.

The relevance and practical utility of the CPI data in meeting user needs are not assessed in any systematic way. The Minstat has not conducted any user surveys in the field of prices statistics and does not have any mechanism in place to systematically monitor user feedback on these statistics.

Data users are kept informed on prices statistics through the National Economic Gazette that is published twice per week. This newspaper publishes the CPI index on a monthly basis. Users’ feedbacks are solicited and answers to users’ questions on the CPI are published in this newspaper.

0.4 Other quality management

0.4.1 Processes are in place to focus on quality

Each year the Minstat performs tasks aimed at improving the current state statistical reports. The Minstat provides instructions on filling out these reports by taking into account the suggestions made by other ministries and departments. The drafts of reports and instructions are worked out jointly by the branch departments and the Department of Statistical Planning and Organization of Statistical Survey. These drafts of reports and instructions are then considered by the Scientific-Methodological Council of the Minstat that is headed by the first deputy minister, and then approved by the Minstat’s Board of Management.

Each year, regional and district staff who work on the CPI participate in statistical seminars organized by the Minstat. The State University usually arranges a seminar for the Association of Statisticians of the Republic of Belarus that is headed by the Director of the Statistical Research Institute.

New studies are undertaken with the Federal Service of State Statistics of the Russian Federation. International comparisons are conducted to share views and new statistical ideas.

Source data are routinely checked and verified. Usually, specialists for the Minstat visit the regional offices to check and to verify (a) if prices are collected correctly, (b) if acceptable goods are selected for the CPI, and (c) if goods specification are detailed enough to allow for substitution.

In 2003, for two and a half months, the Committee of State Control performed an evaluation of data quality for the CPI. The committee’s main task was to determine the statistical methodology used to estimate the CPI.

0.4.2 Processes are in place to monitor the quality of the statistical program

The Minstat’s Department of Statistical Planning coordinates all work associated with the improvement and maintenance of statistical quality. The information on such issues is considered by the Board of Management. All statistical questionnaires are sent to the Department of Statistical Planning for review. Then, the questionnaires are considered by the Scientific-Methodological Council of the Minstat and approved by the Minstat’s Board of Management.

The functions of the Board of Management of the Minstat include providing a clear focus on quality through close attention to methodological issues. This is, in turn, conveyed by management to staff throughout the organization. Each staff member is given a copy of a Duty Manual that, inter alia, reinforces the importance of high standards of work and the need to produce high standard statistics. In addition, staff members, as civil servants, are made aware of their responsibilities under the Law on the Civil Service, which includes references to the requirement for work of a high standard.

According to Article 3 of the Law on State Statistics, “Basic Tasks and Principles of State Statistics that is publicly available,” states that the basic principles of state statistics are: (a) objectivity and reliability of statistical information; (b) stability and comparability of statistical data; and (c) accessibility and openness of statistical information within the bounds set by the legislation of the Republic of Belarus.

Reviews are undertaken of all unusual movements in the price data received at the Minstat, and are traced back to the reporter, if necessary. The CPI data are disseminated twelve days after the reference period. At the district level, specialists have twenty days for collection and revision. Data are then sent to the regional offices that have five days to review the data before they are sent to the Minstat headquarters.

CPI data are final when documented by the Minstat.

0.4.3 Processes are in place to deal with quality considerations in planning the statistical program

There are no trade-offs between timeliness and quality. The annual plan ensures that all deadlines are met, and quality price statistics are compiled and disseminated.

1.1 Professionalism

1.1.1 Statistics are produced on an impartial basis

Article 4 of the Law on State Statistics provides that the central statistical authority is subordinate to the Council of Ministers and shall act on the basis of the regulations approved by the Council of the Republic of Belarus. The regulations are prepared by the Minstat.

Article 10 provides that interference by any government authorities, officials, and other persons in the activity of the state statistical authorities shall not be permitted, and the mission was informed that there has never been any question of interference or attempted interference with the professional independence of the Minstat.

The appointment and termination of the minister are determined by the government. Upon election of the president a new government is formed. The present Minister of Statistics was appointed in 1998. The Minstat is contemplating proposing a change from a ministry to a National Statistical Committee, to help reinforce the notion of the independence of the chief statistician, making decisions based purely on statistical considerations and free from political interference.

Recruitment and promotion of specialists in the Minstat are based on the specialists’ expertise in statistics. Specialists are usually recruited from the faculty of the department of statistics at the Belarusian State Economic University. The Minstat encourages research and analysis by specialists to maintain the Minstat’s reputation for professionalism. Professionalism is also promoted through the encouragement of staff participation in training courses, workshops and seminars, to ensure awareness and understanding of statistical standards and good statistical practices.

The Minstat provides on-the-job training in prices at the regional and district levels. However, according to the Minstat, they do not have the opportunity to send their specialists in prices methodology and compilation methods to seminars and workshops arranged by the IMF Institute. The Minstat houses a statistical library where specialists can have easy access to professional literature.

The Minstat encourages specialist’s research and analysis to maintain the Minstat’s reputation for professionalism.

Under the auspices of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), joint meetings with the Russian Federation, Mongolia, and other CIS countries are held once per year on the issues of international comparisons. International comparisons for price statistics are maintained in the majority of CIS countries. These meetings are attended by the heads of prices departments where discussions on CPI methodological compilations are conducted.

1.1.2 Choices of sources and statistical techniques as well as decisions about dissemination are informed solely by statistical considerations

The sources and methods for compiling price statistics and component statistics are fully under the control of the Minstat, and concepts and standards follow international standards to a large extent. Appropriate data sources are used throughout the compilation of the CPI. There appears not to have been any outside interference or attempted interference in matters of sources, methods, and dissemination.

Interference by any government authorities, officials, and other persons in the activity of the state statistical authorities is not permitted. There have been no known cases of interference or attempted interference.

Article 10 of the Law of the Republic of Belarus on State Statistics provides guarantees of independence in the selection of the methodology, data sources, content, and format of the data disseminated by the Minstat. According to the Minstat, there is no external interference in the conduct of its work. Article 3 of the Law on State Statistics reinforces this by stating that one of the basic principles of state statistics is objectivity and reliability of statistical information.

1.1.3 The appropriate statistical entity is entitled to comment on erroneous interpretation and misuse of statistics

Article 10 of the Law of the Republic of Belarus on State Statistics, “the Rights of State Statistical Authorities,” states, among other things that the Minstat has the right to comment on the incorrect utilization and incorrect interpretation of statistical data. In cases where there are erroneous interpretations of the statistics, the Minstat will provide clarifications in the mass media (for example, publications in the National Economic Gazette). The Minstat monitors all newspapers for erroneous interpretation of the CPI and provides timely responses.

1.2 Transparency

1.2.1 The terms and conditions under which statistics are collected, processed, and disseminated are available to the public

The Minstat’s web site at http://president.gov.by/Minstat/en/about/law.htm provides the Law of the Republic of Belarus on State Statistics. The terms and conditions under which official statistics are collected, compiled and disseminated are provided. These terms and conditions refer to the obligation to compile and disseminate price statistics, the confidentiality of the data reported, and other key features such as the Minstat’s rights.

All statistical publications identify where more information about the Minstat and its prices statistics can be found.

1.2.2 Internal governmental access to statistics prior to their release is publicly identified

Metadata for prices posted on the Minstat’s web site at http://president.gov.by/TheMinstat/en/main.html clearly states that there is no internal governmental access to statistics prior to their release to the public.

1.2.3 Products of statistical agencies/units are clearly identified as such

Products of the Minstat are clearly identified through the use of the Ministry’s name and logo on the web site and in publications. In the case of joint publications, the part attributable to the Minstat is clearly identified. The Minstat requests acknowledgement when its prices statistics are used for reproduction in other agencies or ministries publications.

1.2.4 Advanced notice is given of major changes in methodology, source data, and statistical techniques

The Minstat does not give advance notice to the public in statistical publications when major changes are introduced in methodology, sources, and statistical techniques for compilation of prices statistics. This mission was informed that prior to 2003, advance notice of planned changes, in summary form, was given to the public in the National Register of Legal Acts. However, this practice has now been discontinued. Users can obtain information on the changes in methodology, sources, and statistical techniques for compilation of prices statistics from the reference data base of regulative legal information maintained by the National Center of Legal Acts.

1.3 Ethical standards

1.3.1 Guidelines for staff behavior are in place and are well known to the staff

Articles 13 and 15 of the Law of the Republic of Belarus on State Statistics provide guidelines on correct behavior when the Minstat or its staff is confronted with potential conflict of interest situations.

Article 13, “Obligations of Ministries and Other Central Administrative,” stipulates that authorities that maintain state statistics are required to preserve state and commercial secrecy.

Article 15, “Liability for Violations Committed while Using Statistical Data,” states that employees of state statistical authorities, ministries, and other central administrative authorities who maintain state statistics shall bear liability in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Belarus for violating the requirements of this Law concerning the collection and use of statistical data and for concealing and distorting them.

Requirements regarding staff behavior are notified in the Duty Manual, which is provided to each staff member. The Law on civil service also provides guidelines about staff behavior. This Law was recently amended and training courses were arranged to inform staff about their responsibilities.

All new staff are required to sign an employment contract that outlines the ethical standards, and are reminded annually of these standards.

The Law on Civil Service requires civil servants to observe culture of communication and other norms of business ethics, not allow actions that negatively affect civil service, maintain confidentiality about work activities, and observe internal regulations of work procedures, especially with those related to confidential information. It provides guidelines about staff behavior, including the need to ensure the preservation of the confidentiality of data for individual entities. This Law was recently amended and training courses were arranged to inform staff about their responsibilities.

2.1 Concepts and definitions

2.1.1 The overall structure in terms of concepts and definitions follows internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or good practices

The concepts and definitions of the national CPI generally follow the recommendations of the System of National Accounts 1993 (1993 SNA). The methodology for compiling the CPI is described in detail in the publication Methodological Guideline in Statistics (2003).

Expenditure weights are estimated using the HIES as the primary data source. The concepts and definitions used for measuring household expenditure is the HIES that follows 1993 SNA guidelines. The COICOP is used to classify goods and services included in the CPI.

There are no expenditure estimates either for household consumption of housing services from own production (owners’ inputted rents, see also 2.2.1) or residential capital formation. Weights are not calculated, but are believed to be relatively insignificant. Nevertheless, residential ownerships are increasing and weights should be calculated.

2.2 Scope

2.2.1 The scope is broadly consistent with internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or good practices

Expenditure aggregate for households of all sizes are included in the CPI; however, only urban households are included in the CPI index weight. Rural households are not representative of the economy of the Republic of Belarus since the majority of the population resides in urban areas. Prices are collected from 31 cities and towns that comprise 68 percent of the total population of the Republic of Belarus, and 74 percent of all urban population. Many households with high income tend not to participate in the expenditure survey that is used to weight the CPI. However, macro level mathematical adjustments are conducted to make allowances for these households’ exclusions.

Households whose major activity involves an unincorporated business activity are included in the CPI, but only data on household purchases and not their own-account consumption are included. Sales of illegal market goods and services such as prostitution and drugs are excluded.

Imputed rents for owner-occupied housings are excluded. According to the DPS, homeowners who live in their house and do not rent their house, do not provide information on imputed rents needed for the expenditure survey. Rents are included in the CPI, and these rental rates are the same for both the owners and lessees over a long period of time due to the structure of the Republic of Belarus’s economy. According to the Inter-Secretariat Working Group on Price Statistics (IWGPS), subsidized and controlled prices in the actual rent series should not be used in calculating the owner’s equivalent rent series. Nevertheless, imputed rents are missing components that should be included in the CPI series that is needed particularly for the deflator of dwelling activities of the GDP estimates.

2.3 Classification/sectorization

2.3.1 Classification/sectorization systems used are broadly consistent with internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or good practices

The classification and sectorization used in the compilation of the CPI are in broad conformity with internationally accepted systems. COICOP guidelines are used to classify consumption activities.

2.4 Basis for recording

2.4.1 Market prices are used to value flows and stocks

Generally, market prices are used to value flows and stocks; however, there is some level of administrative price controls. Consumption expenditure in the HIES (the weights of the CPI) is valued at purchasers’ prices, which include trade and transportation margins and applicable taxes less subsidies on products. Household residential capital formation is not included in the CPI.

All product specifications are carefully designed at the regional level with guidance provided by specialists in the Minstat in Minsk. Price determining characteristics generally consider size, color, brand, and quality.

2.4.2 Recording is done on an accrual basis

The prices of goods and services are recorded in the period they are purchased. The CPI is collected between the tenth and thirtieth of the month. The prices of volatile goods, such as bread, fruits, and vegetables are collected frequently, usually two to three times per month.

2.4.3 Grossing/netting procedures are broadly consistent with internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or good practices

The CPI does not cover net purchases of existing goods, such as used cars, owner-occupied housing or other durable consumption goods with a secondary market that are defined as acquisition less disposal of such goods. Third party liability car insurance, the only insurance offered in the Republic of Belarus, is not included in the CPI so there are no issues relating to netting claims from premiums paid.

3.1 Source data

3.1.1 Source data are obtained from comprehensive data collection programs that take into account country-specific conditions

Data sources are kept under continuous review to ensure that the data collection program is comprehensive. Specialists located at the regional and district levels check the places of purchases, public and private enterprises, and informal markets to ensure that data are correct.

In order to estimate the CPI, the Minstat selects over 377 goods and services that characterize the structure of consumer expenditure of the population. Registration of the prices is carried out in 31 cities and towns of the Republic of Belarus, in public and private retail shops, and in urban and informal market places.

Information from other available sources is used to supplement the core compilation. These sources include the (a) Capital Construction, Fees and Rental Commercial Services Department, (b) Statistical Trade and Services Department, (c) Social Statistics Department, (d) Retail, Wholesale Department, (e) Trade and Payment Services to the Population Department, and (f) Population Department.

Sources for CPI Weights: The HIES is conducted as a regular sample survey covering approximately 6,000 households. The sample selection is based on the 1999 population census with regular updating for population changes (births, deaths, and migration) based on administrative records. Adjustments are also made, in the latter stages of the census cycle, with reference to electoral roll data. The sample is representative of large cities, smaller cities within oblasts, towns, and villages.

The sample of households is selected so that each household has an equal chance of selection. Response is voluntary, but a response rate of 86 percent is achieved. Where a household drops out of the survey, mathematical procedures are applied to compensate for missing data. Households that change addresses are not followed to the new address unless they move within the same city and are easy to locate. Otherwise, such households are treated as nonresponse cases and their loss from the sample is compensated for by re-weighting.

Collective households (such as elderly and nursing homes, student hostels, hotels, soldiers’ barracks, hospitals, sanatoria, and prisons) are excluded from the HIES.

Corrections for nonresponse bias are made with reference to basic data collected for each household (including refusals) on characteristics such as place of residence, number in household, number of children under 18 years, number of elderly persons, and type of housing.

The sampled families are surveyed during a 12-month period, and each household is visited 17 times by an interviewer. Two types of information are collected.

• A diary is kept by each household to record daily expenditure for a 14-day period, including detailed descriptions of items, place of purchase and value, as well as daily consumption of food produced on the individual land plot (production for own consumption) or received as a gift. Sample families are equally distributed in to rotation groups throughout the quarter.

• An interview is used to obtain data on major household expenditures and incomes during the last quarter. This information is used to calculate annual expenditures and incomes.

Data produced from the HIES and used by the Consumer Prices Department include average monthly expenditure per family on 878 codes of the consumer goods and services based on COICOP. Food expenditure items are further subdivided into 285 items.

Sources for CPI Prices: Coverage of the CPI is comprehensive. The enterprises from which prices are collected are selected by purposive sample based on the kinds of products sold. Most prices are collected by personal visits to the enterprises. Interviewers are required to select and precisely specify the most popular variety, for which prices will then be collected on a continuing basis. Primarily large supermarkets and retailers are selected, but medium and large market places are also included. No street vendors are included. At the district level, three price quotes are selected, at the regional level, five price quotes are selected, and, in Minsk city, ten price quotes are selected (each region including Minsk city have administrative district offices who collects the price information).

Places of recording change; in the sample however, the cities included do not change. Prices for 377 goods and services are collected monthly for 31 cities of the Republic of Belarus. The CPI includes all major groups of goods and services covering 41,000 prices. However, the CPI does not include owner-occupied dwellings, illegally marketed goods, and secondhand durable goods.

The sample for the CPI is composed of 4,385 outlets. There are 1,043 outlets for food, 1,845 outlets for nonfood products, and 1,497 outlets for services. The sample information maintained by the Minstat contains the name of the outlets, the address, the types of products sold, and whether the outlet is public or private.

Ad hoc surveys are conducted to identify new products and provide source data for weights and prices. First, the DPS determines what good to investigate, then, the HIES surveys households to determine if adequate amounts are being consumed for that particular good, and if so, interviews are conducted at the regional and district levels to collect the price for this good.

Unfortunately there are no periodic meetings held with consumer groups and the business community to identify new developments that should be taken into account in the CPI compilation system. This problem highlights the need for a users’ group.

3.1.2 Source data reasonably approximate the definitions, scope, classifications, valuation, and time of recording required

The Minstat’s price data are consistent with the definitions, scope, classifications, and time of recording, reference periods, and valuation of CPI estimates.

The CPI price sample is representative of monetary transactions in urban areas for the goods and services used by households for consumption, with the exception of used goods.

3.1.3 Source data are timely

HIES’ data are timely to allow for the compilation of the CPI data. Four interviews are preceded by a baseline interview for the expenditure survey. In addition, between each pair of interviews, the households are asked to keep a diary of current expenses for a period of two weeks. A new sample is selected annually. Thus, the weights for the CPI are annually updated. Regional specialists are guided by the annual plan so that prices for the CPI are collected in a timely manner. The CPI sample is also timely.

3.2 Assessment of source data

3.2.1 Source data—including censuses, sample surveys and administrative records—are routinely assessed, for example, for coverage, sample error, response error, and nonsampling error; the results of the assessments are monitored and made available to guide statistical processes

The sampling errors for each survey conducted are monitored on a monthly basis. Information on weights, price relatives, misclassifications, and outliers are routinely checked. Problems of non response are uncommon due to the established relationships between the interviewers and the enterprises. Corrections are done to account for any misclassifications. If there were a mistake with last month’s price, the specialist would be alerted and corrections to previous data would be done.

Possible response error could occur during the collection of the household expenditure survey. For example, households appear to systematically underreport expenditures on commodity groups such as tobacco and alcoholic beverages. For that reason, the DPS supplements the data source with data from the Statistical Trade and Services Department. Data for communal services are supplemented by the Capital Construction Department. Data for cultural services, movies, and theaters are supplemented by the Social Statistics Department.

Unusually large movements in prices are traced back to the retail enterprise if warranted and are verified. Apart from this kind of verification, post-enumeration checks are not made. Pilot testing is done to analyze the effects of changes in the survey questionnaires. Comments and recommendations are solicited from the enterprises in order to design a better enterprise survey.

The accuracy of administrative data received from other ministries, trade associations, regulatory authorities are not routinely assessed. According to the Minstat, these data are obtained on a regular basis, and therefore are not checked. Even though these data sources are approved for dissemination to the Minstat and are signed by officials of these administrations, periodic checks by the Minstat are required.

3.3 Statistical techniques

3.3.1 Data compilation employs sound statistical techniques to deal with data sources

The CPI is collected and tabulated first at the district level, second, at the regional level, then in the Minstat. Prices are first collected and tabulated at the district level and then sent to the regional offices. Two data sets or 12 sets of data are sent by the regional office, to the Minstat. One data set contains the capital of regions, and the other data sets contain aggregated data on four cities. At the regional level, price relatives are aggregated at the elementary levels for the 377 items in each of the six regions plus Minsk. Upon receipt in the Minstat, all data sets are combined, weighted, and aggregated into the national index.

Adjustments to unit records are made only when clearly warranted and can be identified in the price tabulations. When outliers are identified, data are first verified from the datasets in the Minstat, then the regional and district offices are contacted if adjustments are needed.

Procedures for imputation and adjustment for nonresponse are soundly based. There are no failures to obtain the required information in a timely manner from all enterprises selected in the sample.

Prices for temporarily missing products are imputed based on the change in price of similar products using the matched samples technique. Prices for seasonal products, such as fruits and vegetables, are also imputed. Products that become permanently unavailable are replaced in the sample. The design of the product specification allows for such replacements. Quality adjustments for products are conducted, usually using an explicit quality adjustment. Since specialists are privy to input costs, as mandated by the Statistical Law, they are able to estimate the value of the quality change. Thus, there is no need for implicit quality adjustment methods such as over pricing.

New products are introduced into the sample as they gain market share. The DPS coordinates with the HIES to determine when a new product gain ample market share and when to introduce the product into the CPI.

The CPI in the Republic of Belarus is compiled in two stages. The first stage is performed in the regional office where price ratios are aggregated at the elementary levels for one month, price change of each of the 377 items groups in each of the six regions plus Minsk. The second stage is performed in the Minstat, using a modified Laspeyres formula, where the 377 short-term price indices are aggregated into the national index.

3.3.2 Other statistical procedures (for example, data adjustments and transformations, and statistical analysis) employ sound statistical techniques

The HIES, as defined in the 1993 SNA, is used to establish weights. The weights are annually revised and are introduced into the index in May of each year. According to the Inter-Secretariat Working Group on Price Statistics, countries in which there are periods of high inflation, as in the case of the Republic of Belarus, multiple year weights should be calculated instead. Multiple year weights can be calculated either by averaging the value shares or averaging actual value levels. Averaging value levels will give more importance to the most recent year of data in the index base period. Another option is to uprate the value for each year to a common period and then compute a simple arithmetic average of adjusted yearly data.

According to the DPS, the share of parallel markets or underground economies is small in the Republic of Belarus; therefore, expenditure weights are not estimated.

There are no distinctions in prices if the consumer chooses to pay by credit or by cash. The values recorded for goods and services represent the economic cost to the consumer at the time the good or service is purchased regardless of method for payment.

Goods and services produced for own final consumption are not included in the CPI.

At the elementary level, an arithmetic mean or the ratio of average prices is used to calculate the index. Short-term price change is calculated base on previous month = 100. Long-term price change is calculated as December of the previous year = 100, and historical chained index with December 1990 = 100.

The method used to aggregate the elementary indices to higher levels is a modified Laspeyres formula. The present CPI weights refer to the year 2002. The weights are fixed at the item level, and are adjusted for price change to align them with the appropriate price reference period. When new weights are introduced, the new index is linked to the old index, and an annual overlap period is used to calculate linking factors. One and a half to two months are needed to link the old index to the new index.

3.4 Assessment and validation of intermediate data and statistical outputs

3.4.1 Intermediate results are validated against other information where applicable

The CPI is compared with the PPI and export and import price indices from the Foreign Trade Department.

Implicit deflators in the national accounts are available for the part of the economy covered by the regular CPI compilation. However, using micro surveys, an index of communication services for legal entities that are not covered in regular CPI compilation, is estimated by the DPS for national accounts. Cargo and transportation data are also compiled by the DPS for the Transportation and Communication Statistics Department, and are not included in the CPI.

3.4.2 Statistical discrepancies in intermediate data are assessed and investigated

Any unusual movements such as outliers in item indices are verified and traced back to the reporting outlet if necessary.

3.4.3 Statistical discrepancies and other potential indicators of problems in statistical outputs are investigated

Discrepancies arising from inconsistent imputation for missing data, seasonal goods, and quality adjusted goods are routinely assessed. Unfortunately, there are no ranges of control edits supported by computer programs that can be used to assess and validate the data. All verifications and assessments are done manually. Manual verifications may lead to nonsampling and nonobservation errors.

3.5 Revision studies

3.5.1 Studies and analyses of revisions are carried out routinely and used internally to inform statistical processes (see also 4.3.3)

CPI data are not revised once published. However, weights are routinely analyzed to determine the effects of sampling bias in the index. The items in the CPI basket and source data are analyzed to determine nonsampling errors. Findings from these revision studies are shared with the specialists at the regional and district levels, with the hopes that future errors can be avoided.

Adequate documentation on these revision studies is well maintained and includes methods used to incorporate new data sources, and the way data are adjusted. All proposals for weight revisions must be approved by the Scientific Methodological Council of the Minstat. Final approval is given by the Order of the Minister with registration in National Register of Legal Act of the Republic of Belarus. This order is published in the Official Bulletin of Legal Acts.

According to the Law on Indexing of Population Income, information concerning any revisions in the CPI must be published since the population income is indexed to the CPI.

4.1 Periodicity and timeliness

4.1.1 Periodicity follows dissemination standards

The periodicity of the statistics follows the SDDS requirements. The CPI is compiled monthly.

4.1.2 Timeliness follows dissemination standards

The monthly estimates are disseminated within one month after the end of the reference month. Summary CPI statistics are disseminated 12 days after the end of the reference period, while more detailed CPI data are disseminated 21 days after the end of the reference period, and accordingly exceeds SDDS requirements.

4.2 Consistency

4.2.1 Statistics are consistent within the dataset

There are no consistency issues as the CPI is not calculated for regions or population centers within the Republic of Belarus, nor is it calculated for a particular subgroup.

4.2.2 Statistics are consistent or reconcilable over a reasonable period of time

Time series data are available for at least five years. Historical time-series data are available for December 1990 = 100. In July 1993, the IMF Technical Assistance mission recommended that the new CPI and historical time-series should be officially published so that other government agencies, businesses, and international organizations can take advantage of the State Statistical Committee’s most reliable broad-based measure of the general level of inflation for the Republic of Belarus. A historical time-series with index reference period of December 1990 = 100 has been infrequently published. This historical time-series is annually published only in the National Economic Gazette, and not in any other official statistical publications.

The DPS hyperlinked the CPI historical time-series to the Minstat’s web site during the mission. The availability of historical time-series is a requirement of the SDDS.

4.2.3 Statistics are consistent or reconcilable with those obtained through other data sources and/or statistical frameworks

CPI data are largely consistent with the PPI and national accounts statistics.

4.3 Revision policy and practice

4.3.1 Revisions follow a regular and transparent schedule

CPI data are not revised once published. However, the CPI weights are updated annually. The new weights are normally introduced with data published in June.

The public is aware of the annual weight updating of the CPI.

4.3.2 Preliminary and/or revised data are clearly identified

CPI data are final and are not subject to revisions.

4.3.3 Studies and analyses of revisions are made public (see also 3.5.1)

The impact of annual weight updating studies is not disseminated in official statistical publications, but would be appropriate for the annual CPI statistical bulletins. Nevertheless, according to the Law on Indexing of Population Income, information on CPI must be published since the pension and public wage income is indexed to the CPI.

5.1 Data accessibility

5.1.1 Statistics are presented in a way that facilitates proper interpretation and meaningful comparisons (layout and clarity of text, tables, and charts)

CPI data are published in a clear manner. In certain publications, charts and tables are also disseminated with the data to facilitate analysis. Datasets are published in consolidated format, by food, nonfood, and services. Data for each category are further broken down by the types of food, nonfood, and services. In all statistical publications, the CPI data are published with the corresponding period of the previous year = 100, previous month = 100, and December of the previous year = 100. CPI data for each year since 1992 to 2002 are published. Chain-linked historical time series data have been disseminated in the National Economic Gazette on an infrequent basis, but now are posted on the Minstat’s web site.

The infrequent publication of long time series data of five years or greater, with a given reference base, does not meet international good practice for index publication.

Relevant series are not disseminated in a seasonally adjusted form, and there are no plans to seasonally adjust the data.

5.1.2 Dissemination media and format are adequate

CPI data are disseminated in ways that facilitate redissemination in the media through official press releases and internet web site. The data are simultaneously disseminated to all interested parties through a monthly press release prepared by the Minstat, “Balta.” Data are also simultaneously disseminated on the Minstat’s internet web site http://president.gov.by/Minstat/main.html.

More comprehensive and/or detailed statistics are also disseminated. Requests for these types of data are usually completed in five days and longer if requests are labor intensive.

CPI data published with the corresponding period of the previous year = 100, previous month = 100, December of the previous year = 100, and CPI data for each year since 1992 to 2002 and CPI in December 1990 = 100, are published on the Minstat’s web site.

5.1.3 Statistics are released on a preannounced schedule

An advance release calendar is posted on the Minstat’s web site, http://president.gov.by/Minstat/main.html, with release dates for the upcoming three months.

CPI data are usually released punctually on the twelfth of the month. If the twelfth is not a working day, the CPI is released on the prior Friday before the twelfth.

5.1.4 Statistics are made available to all users at the same time

The CPI data are transmitted simultaneously to all users on the twelfth of the month, or the prior Friday before the twelfth of the month, usually through the press release.

5.1.5 Statistics not routinely disseminated are made available upon request

Detailed customized tabulation (detailed breakdowns) of CPI data is available upon request, in addition to the tables routinely disseminated. For specific purposes, customized tabulation of data that satisfy the Minstat’s disclosure requirements are also available for a fee.

Data users are aware of the availability of additional statistics and of the procedures for obtaining them. These procedures are explicitly provided in statistical publications.

5.2 Metadata accessibility

5.2.1 Documentation on concepts, scope, classifications, basis of recording, data sources, and statistical techniques is available, and differences from internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or good practices are annotated

Brief CPI methodologies are provided in the Statistical Yearbook of the Republic of Belarus, 2003, Consumer Price Indices, the Quarterly Statistical Bulletin, and in Price Indices for Consumer Goods and Services, and for Produced Industrial Goods. Very detailed methodological descriptions are provided in statistical publications, such as Methodological Guidelines and Methodological Guidelines on Statistics; however, these publications are not easily accessible to the public. Users can obtain methodological information in the reference database of the regulative-legal information.

There is no published information in official statistical publications on the survey sources, such as the response rates, survey monitoring, non sampling errors, sample frame, sample design, estimation, and imputation techniques. However, references are made of the administrative data sources used.

The Republic of Belarus is expected to subscribe to the SDDS in the near future. However, while there are no SDDS summary methodologies on CPI at this time, there are CPI metadata in SDDS format that are posted on the Minstat’s web site.

5.2.2 Levels of detail are adapted to the needs of the intended audience

There are no pamphlets, brochures, background papers, or working documents about the CPI and other prices statistics that are made available to the public on a frequent basis.

5.3 Assistance to users

5.3.1 Contact points for each subject field are publicized

A contact person with telephone, facsimile, email, and internet address is provided on the inside of most price statistics publications.

Assistance to users is monitored and reviewed periodically. According to the Minstat, when requests are made for CPI data, the General Department logs these requests with a number, and tracks when the request was made and implemented. Users, however, said that request for data are not met in a timely manner.

5.3.2 Catalogs of publications, documents, and other services, including information on any changes, are widely available

The Minstat publishes a comprehensive print catalogue of all of its publications. This catalogue is annually updated. But, the prices of the statistical products and services are not disclosed due to the frequent changes in price. Prices are listed as contractual.

Table 2.

Republic of Belarus: Data Quality Assessment Framework (July 2003): Summary of Results for Price Statistics (Consumer Price Index)

(Compiling Agency:Minstat)

Table 2.

Republic of Belarus: Data Quality Assessment Framework (July 2003): Summary of Results for Price Statistics (Consumer Price Index)

(Compiling Agency:Minstat)

Key to symbols: NA = Not Applicable; O = Practice Observed; LO = Practice Largely Observed; = Practice Largely Not Observed; NO = Practice Not Observed; SDDS = Complies with SDDS Criteria
Element	NA	Assessment				Comments
		O	LO	LNO	NO
0. Prerequisites of quality
0.1 Legal and institutional environment			X			There are no procedures to ensure confidentiality where small numbers of entities are concerned.
0.2 Resources			X			There are no provisions for emergency back-up systems for retrieval of CPI statistics
0.3 Relevance				X		There is no user's advisory committee or working group
0.4 Other quality management		X
1. Assurances of integrity
1.1 Professionalism		X
1.2 Transparency				X		Advance notice is not given of major changes in methodology, source data, and statistical techniques.
1.3 Ethical standards		X
2. Methodological soundness
2.1 Concepts and definitions		X
2.2 Scope			X			There are no imputations for owner-occupied housing.
2.3 Classification/sectorization		X
2.4 Basis for recording			X			Weights are not applied to purchase of existing durable goods such as used cars.
3. Accuracy and reliability
3.1 Source data		X
3.2 Assessment of source data		X
3.3 Statistical techniques			X			Owner-occupied housing is not included in the CPI
3.4 Assessment and validation of intermediate data and statistical outputs			X			Computer edits are insufficient.
3.5 Revision studies		X
4. Serviceability
4.1 Periodicity and timeliness		X
4.2 Consistency			X			Historical time-series data have been infrequently published.
4.3 Revision policy and practice			X			Revisions studies on weight updating are not made public.
5. Accessibility
5.1 Data accessibility			X			Infrequent publication of long term time-series data. Relevant series are not disseminated in a seasonally adjusted manner.
5.2 Metadata accessibility			X			Detailed methodological guidelines are not easily accessible.
5.3 Assistance to users			X			Users said that request for data are not met in a timely manner.

View Table

Table 2.

Republic of Belarus: Data Quality Assessment Framework (July 2003): Summary of Results for Price Statistics (Consumer Price Index)

(Compiling Agency:Minstat)

Key to symbols: NA = Not Applicable; O = Practice Observed; LO = Practice Largely Observed; = Practice Largely Not Observed; NO = Practice Not Observed; SDDS = Complies with SDDS Criteria
Element	NA	Assessment				Comments
		O	LO	LNO	NO
0. Prerequisites of quality
0.1 Legal and institutional environment			X			There are no procedures to ensure confidentiality where small numbers of entities are concerned.
0.2 Resources			X			There are no provisions for emergency back-up systems for retrieval of CPI statistics
0.3 Relevance				X		There is no user's advisory committee or working group
0.4 Other quality management		X
1. Assurances of integrity
1.1 Professionalism		X
1.2 Transparency				X		Advance notice is not given of major changes in methodology, source data, and statistical techniques.
1.3 Ethical standards		X
2. Methodological soundness
2.1 Concepts and definitions		X
2.2 Scope			X			There are no imputations for owner-occupied housing.
2.3 Classification/sectorization		X
2.4 Basis for recording			X			Weights are not applied to purchase of existing durable goods such as used cars.
3. Accuracy and reliability
3.1 Source data		X
3.2 Assessment of source data		X
3.3 Statistical techniques			X			Owner-occupied housing is not included in the CPI
3.4 Assessment and validation of intermediate data and statistical outputs			X			Computer edits are insufficient.
3.5 Revision studies		X
4. Serviceability
4.1 Periodicity and timeliness		X
4.2 Consistency			X			Historical time-series data have been infrequently published.
4.3 Revision policy and practice			X			Revisions studies on weight updating are not made public.
5. Accessibility
5.1 Data accessibility			X			Infrequent publication of long term time-series data. Relevant series are not disseminated in a seasonally adjusted manner.
5.2 Metadata accessibility			X			Detailed methodological guidelines are not easily accessible.
5.3 Assistance to users			X			Users said that request for data are not met in a timely manner.

0.1 Legal and institutional environment

0.1.1 The responsibility for collecting, processing, and disseminating the statistics is clearly specified

The production of official statistics in the Republic of Belarus is the responsibility of the Ministry of Statistics and Analysis of the Republic of Belarus (Minstat). The Minstat operates under the Law of the Republic of Belarus on State Statistics (the Law on State Statistics), which was adopted by the House of Representatives on January 11, 1997, approved by the Council of the Republic on January 30, 1997, and signed by the President of the Republic of Belarus on February 17, 1997. The Law on State Statistics was developed in line with recommendations of Eurostat.

The Minstat is accountable to the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus and operates under Belarusian legislation. It has its own settlement account and other accounts with banking institutions.

The State statistical system for the Republic of Belarus comprises the Minstat, and oblast (including City of Minsk), district and city agencies of statistics. The Minstat and its agencies in oblasts, cities and regions, and other organizations subordinated¹⁴ to the Minstat constitute a single system of State statistics for the Republic of Belarus.

The Minstat is headed by a Minister who is appointed under the Constitution by the President. The Minister is a member of the government and is empowered to issue directives and instructions that are binding on subordinate statistical bodies within the Minstat.

The Minstat has a Board of Management that comprises the minister (as chairman), his deputies, and other staff. The Board of Management considers and determines fundamental issues relating to the organization of statistical activities (for example, methodology, questionnaires, release practices, staff appointments and terminations, performance at regional levels, organization structure, statistical program priorities, and budgetary allocations). The Minister of Minstat, as a member of the Cabinet of Ministers, reports to the government concerning major decisions made by the Board.

There is also an Inter-Agency Council for State Statistics, established under a government resolution, which makes proposals on methods and questionnaires, and considers proposals for the inclusion in the statistical work plan (discussed below). The Inter-Agency Council for State Statistics reviews proposals submitted to it, and makes recommendations that are forwarded to the Council of Ministers for decisions about financing.

The Inter-Agency Council for State Statistics comprises the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus (Chairman), the Minister of the Minstat, the Minister of Labor and Social Protection, the Minister of Justice, the Deputy Ministers of Industry, Finance, and Economy, and representatives of the Academy of Science and other bodies. The composition of the Council allows it to take direct account of user requirements to some extent, but it is not very broadly based in terms of membership compared with models in some countries. Due to its membership, it functions as an advisory body rather than an executive decision making body. The reports of the Council are publicly available documents.

Article 3 of the Law on State Statistics specifies the basic tasks of state statistics as:

• collecting, processing, compiling and analyzing economic and social statistics, using scientifically based statistical methodology; and

• disseminating statistical information to governmental authorities and other users.

The Minstat, its offices in the oblasts, cities, and rayons, and the other subordinate organizations constitute the uniform system of state statistical authorities of the Republic of Belarus. The Minstat is subordinate to the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus. The Minstat acts on the basis of the provisions of the Minister of the Minstat, as approved by the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus, and other regulatory acts.

Article 10 provides that State statistical authorities have the right to:

• receive statistical data, in the manner established by the central statistical authority, from legal entities, and entrepreneurs who have not formed a legal entity;

• verify the reliability of statistical data and, where distortions are found, to give mandatory instructions concerning their elimination and appropriate corrections in aggregated statistical data; and

• require entities to comply with the requirements of the Law, including entities that are not legally incorporated.

Under Article 11, ministries and other central administrative authorities that produce state statistics shall have the right to:

• receive and use statistical data “in the manner specified by Articles 5, 8, and 9 of this Law”; and

• monitor the status of primary accounting and statistical reporting, and check the authenticity of statistical data reported.

Under Article 12, State statistical authorities are required to:

• organize state statistical observations and provide government authorities with reliable and objective statistical information on the socio-economic situation of the country;

• ensure the accessibility of summary statistical information for a wide range of users, and give necessary explanations and comments on the methodology of producing statistical data, including through the mass media; and

• ensure that the primary data collected by state statistical authorities are not subject to disclosure and are used exclusively for statistical purposes.

The Minstat is required to provide State bodies and other users with reliable and objective economic and social statistics, including national accounts statistics. It also provides explanations about methodologies for compiling data.

Section 34 of the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus provides that citizens have the right to receive information on the activities of State bodies, and those bodies shall provide citizens with an opportunity to obtain access to the materials pertaining to their rights and legitimate interests. This Section of the Constitution is endorsed by Article 12 of the Law on State Statistics. The extensive publication program of the Minstat is consistent with this provision in the Constitution.

Within the Minstat, the Department of Price Statistics (DPS) is responsible for the compilation of the Producer Price Index for the Republic of Belarus.

0.1.2 Data sharing and coordination among data-producing agencies are adequate

The Law on State Statistics provides for data sharing and coordination of statistical activities.

• Article 5 provides that ministries and other central administrative authorities shall compile state statistics in accordance with the forms and methodological instructions approved by the central statistical authority.

• Article 7 provides that State statistical observations (including state administrative data, one-time assessments, censuses, and sample surveys) shall be carried out by state statistical authorities, ministries, and other central administrative authorities on the basis of the methodological instructions, programs, and forms of statistical reporting approved by the central statistical authority.

• Article 10 states that decisions of the state statistical authorities, within their competence, shall be mandatory for implementation by ministries, other central administrative authorities, local executive and administrative authorities, legal entities and other individual entrepreneurs.

• Article 13 requires ministries and other central administrative authorities that compile state statistics to:

  • ensure the collection, processing, and reliability of statistical data in their areas of responsibility; and

  • supply to state statistical authorities, on their demand, statistical data specified by state statistical reporting.

The Department of Statistical Planning and Statistical Monitoring within the Minstat is responsible for ensuring effective coordination between the Minstat and the ministries with the primary responsibility for compiling the statistics and other data producing agencies.

0.1.3 Individual reporters’ data are to be kept confidential and used for statistical purposes only

Article 9 provides that information containing state and commercial secrets shall not be subject to disclosure, and stipulates that statistical information shall be used for State and scientific purposes and for informing the public. This provides for the protection of the privacy of individual data submitted by, and in respect of, persons.

Article 15 specifies that employees of State statistical authorities, ministries, and other central administrative authorities who produce state statistics must not violate the requirements of the Law concerning the collection and use of statistical data and for concealing and distorting them. Employees of the Minstat are required to sign a contract at the commencement of employment that they will not divulge State secrets. This requirement is reinforced in a Duty Manual supplied to each staff member. All computers are password protected. The Minstat’s officials informed the mission that there has been no instance where an employee has violated this requirement of the Law.

Article 12 further reinforces the requirement for confidentiality of individual data supplied. State statistical authorities are required to preserve state and commercial secrecy, and to ensure that primary data obtained from legal entities or physical persons are used exclusively for statistical purposes. Similarly, Article 13 requires that ministries and other central administrative authorities that produce state statistics shall preserve state and commercial secrecy. In addition, article 21 of the Law on Civil Service in the Republic of Belarus (law No. 204-3 of June 14, 2003) states, among the obligations of civil service, that civil servants must not disseminate state secrets entrusted to them, and the disclosure of state secrets could result in their dismissal of the civil service.

The mission discussed with senior officials from the Minstat the question of release of data where only a small number of entities are involved. The mission was informed that, where one or two nongovernment enterprises contribute to a statistical cell, the Minstat ensures that such data remains confidential, but that these rules are not applied where government enterprises are concerned. The mission considers that more comprehensive procedures are required to guide staff in ensuring that statistics released do not disclose information relating to an individual entity, either directly or by deduction. This is important in order to maintain public confidence in the Minstat.

The Minstat’s officials indicated that there are situations where an entity may give written consent for the disclosure of information about the entity, but that the Minstat seeks to avoid too many such situations from a workload point of view. The mission observed, however, that it is not clear from the legislation that the Minstat has the authority to release individual data with the consent of the entity concerned. This is a legal right of statistical agencies in some other countries and the mission considers that the legislation in the Republic of Belarus should be clarified concerning this right, even though it is seldom exercised.

The Minstat should consider seeking an amendment to the Law on State Statistics enabling the Minstat to release data that would otherwise be confidential with the consent of the entity (entities) involved. This provision would need to be used very sparingly, but would allow publication of significant data where only one or two entities are involved; e.g., the production of a specific commodity by one or two producers.

All survey questionnaires state clearly, on the top of the front page, that all information collected by the Minstat will be kept confidential and used for statistical purposes only.

Officials of the Minstat assured the mission that there is adequate physical security for all premises, adequate physical protection of computing facilities, and various encoding procedures, all of which serve to assist in protecting the confidentiality of the data stored in the premises of the Minstat and guard against unlawful access to data.

The staff is sensitive to issues regarding data confidentiality and takes appropriate measures to ensure that respondents’ information are guarded. All computers are password protected, and a local network is provided only for prices information.

Confidentiality agreements are signed by PPI specialists. PPI data are presented only in aggregated and consolidated manner for researchers and other persons requesting data.

0.1.4 Statistical reporting is ensured through legal mandate and/or measures to encourage response

There is a clear legal mandate for collection of information for statistical purposes. Article 8 requires that all legal entities, and entrepreneurs who have not formed legal entities, shall submit statistical reports free of charge, observing the forms, deadlines, and addresses approved by the central statistical authority. Article 8 also provides that questionnaires and deadlines for statistical reporting by banks, free of charge, shall be approved by the central statistical authority as agreed with the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus (NBRB).

Under Article 14, officials and entrepreneurs carrying out their activity without forming a legal entity who evade the mandatory submission of statistical data to state statistical authorities and also to ministries and other central administrative authorities that produce state statistics, or submit them in a distorted form or in violation of the established schedules, are in breach of the legislation. In addition, damage caused as the result of the submission of distorted statistical data shall be subject to penalty under legislation of the Republic of Belarus.

The Minstat’s employees are entitled to visit business entities in order to check the accuracy of the data reported in State statistical questionnaires. Such inspections are selectively undertaken by the Minstat, sometimes involving specialists of branch ministries. These measures result in a high level of cooperation and the collection of reliable data. In 2003, inspections on data accuracy were carried out at 3,700 business entities. Amendments were incorporated where discrepancies were discovered.

In the event that an entity refuses to provide information required under the Law on State Statistics, the Minstat may require the entity to appear before a court and the court may impose a penalty. Court action is, however, used as a last resort and exercised in relatively few instances. Such cases have received publicity that is favorable to the Minstat and this appears likely to have had a deterrent effect on others who may contemplate refusal to comply with the Law on State Statistics.

The Minstat, therefore, has very strong powers to collect information for statistical purposes and this is reflected in very high response rates and, presumably, in accurate responses in the various questionnaires. The Minstat does not appear to have used other approaches to encourage response, such as the provision of brochures explaining the uses and importance of specific fields of statistics and the supply of summary data, free of charge, to respondents.

The Minstat may wish to consider supplementary approaches of these kinds as means of maintaining high levels of response.

In order to avoid nonresponse, all enterprises are given clear instructions on how to provide price information. The methodological guidelines written in the statistical publications also provide instructions on how respondents should provide price information. Standing seminars are held at the regional and district levels to answer any questions posed by respondents. Standing seminar agendas or schedules are provided by the Department of Statistical Planning and Organization of Statistical Surveys.

0.2 Resources

0.2.1 Staff, facilities, computing resources, and financing are commensurate with statistical programs

The Minstat has about 2,200 staff of which about 360 are located in headquarters in Minsk. About 90 percent of the staff is female. The overall staffing levels for the Minstat are regarded by senior management as adequate and staff turnover is not regarded as a significant problem; in fact, the overall staff situation appears to be relatively stable. Retirement age is normally 55 years for women, but some retirees are re-appointed as temporary employees, in some cases temporarily replacing a staff member who is absent on maternity leave. The Minstat pays particular attention to ensuring that there are sufficient staff members to effectively carry out its various operations, while allowing for annual leave, maternity leave and other staff entitlements. There are some measures in place to encourage the retention of experienced staff. However, there are constraints on promotion and merit increases within the civil service system.

Number of staff working on prices appears adequate.

The Minstat's Department of Price Statistics

The Minstat's Department of Price Statistics

Number of Units	Geographic Breakdown	Number of Staff	CPI	PPI	Head of Prices
Minsk	Republic level	17	10	6	1
Regions (6)	Regional level	8-10	Not separately assigned for CPI and PPI
Capital and four districts	District level	118	–	–	–
Total		235

View Table

The Minstat's Department of Price Statistics

Number of Units	Geographic Breakdown	Number of Staff	CPI	PPI	Head of Prices
Minsk	Republic level	17	10	6	1
Regions (6)	Regional level	8-10	Not separately assigned for CPI and PPI
Capital and four districts	District level	118	–	–	–
Total		235

The Republic of Belarus is geographically divided into six regions and Minsk City. Statistical survey for prices is arranged in 31 cities and towns of the country including Minsk City, all regional centers, and four district centers in each region. At the regional level work is done on both the CPI and PPI. At the republic level, there are six specialists who work on the PPI, all of whom are university graduates.

Plans for prices expansion are gradual, thus there are no need for increases in staff and resources. The Minstat’s salary levels are adequate for the nature of work, and are competitive with the private sector for comparable jobs and positions.

Computing needs and technology appear adequate. In January 2003, software to estimate the PPI was updated.

There are no provisions of emergency back-up systems for retrieval of PPI statistical series and their updates in the event of natural disasters, accidents, and other unusual events.

0.2.2 Measures to ensure efficient use of resources are implemented

Resources within the Minstat are allocated in accordance with the statistical work plan that is developed each year. The Minstat arranges for statistical inquiries to be conducted in accordance with the statistical work plan for the Minstat. The statistical work plan is prepared in consultation with ministries and other administrative bodies. This instrument is used by the Minstat for coordinating and approving statistical plans.

The statistical work plan is developed in an iterative way, starting with submissions from the heads of each department. The Department of Planning and Statistical Monitoring in the Minstat then drafts the entire work plan for consideration and approval by the Board of Management. The statistical work plan is approved in August of each year and covers the following five years. It includes details of plans to be achieved in each department of the Minstat, and target dates for various stages of development. Each department presents information on progress and achievements at annual meetings of the Board of Management.

Article 6 provides that the State statistical authorities are financed from state budget funds in accordance with the statistical work plan that is approved by the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus. Additional statistical work may be carried out through supplementary financing from the state budget or funds provided by those requesting this work. The work plan sets out all statistical activities to be undertaken by the Minstat during the course of the plan, including target dates for completion of specific tasks. It is the responsibility of each department’s head to ensure that their components of the work plan are completed satisfactorily. The statistical work plan is reviewed annually by the Board of Management of the Minstat. There is a certain amount of flexibility to incorporate any important new statistical activity between annual reviews where a major new statistical requirement has been articulated by the government.

Under Article 12 of the Law on State Statistics, State statistical authorities are required to “use international concepts, classifications, and methods in compiling statistics as the basis for ensuring the harmony and effectiveness of the statistical system of the Republic of Belarus on all official levels”.

On an annual basis, a report on the specialists’ performance is prepared by the head of the DPS for the Minstat. If a specialist work performance is inadequate, that specialist is terminated. Personal employment contracts for the Minstat staff are renewed every one to three years.

Efficiencies are sought through periodic reviews of work processes. Consistent concepts, classification and other methodologies across categories are encouraged. The source data are collected and reviewed at the regional level. The PPI data are then transmitted through dedicated lines to the Minstat.

The price statistics departments of the CIS exchange documents and information on methodological approaches in order to share views.

0.3 Relevance

0.3.1 The relevance and practical utility of existing statistics in meeting users’ needs are monitored

Apart from the Inter-Agency Council for State Statistics, which focuses on methodological issues, there is no committee to provide advice about new and emerging data needs. The mission considers that the Minstat should examine the desirability of establishing a more broadly based user committee to provide it with advice on statistical policy, methodology, and priority issues.

Feedback from users on the quality standards of the PPI statistics is not solicited. There are no initiatives or projects in place to facilitate feedback from users of price statistics. The Research Institute of Economics solicits user feedback on data quality from business managers. The Institute’s idea was conveyed to the Inter-Agency Council for State Statistics, but due to lack of resources, the project was put on hold.

The relevance and practical utility of the PPI data in meeting user needs are not assessed in any systematic way. The Minstat has not conducted any user surveys in the field of prices statistics and does not have any mechanism in place to systematically monitor user feedback on these statistics.

Official statements of the Minstat’s PPI are disseminated monthly in the mass media, particularly in newspaper such as the National Economic Gazette

0.4 Other quality management

0.4.1 Processes are in place to focus on quality

Each year the Minstat performs tasks aimed at improving the current state statistical reports. The Minstat provides instructions on filling out these reports by taking into account the suggestions made by other ministries and departments. The drafts of reports and instructions are worked out jointly by the branch departments and the Department of Statistical Planning and Organization of Statistical Survey. These drafts of reports and instructions are then considered by the Scientific-Methodological Council of the Minstat that is headed by the first deputy minister, and then approved by the Minstat’s Board of Management.

Each year, regional staffs who work on the PPI participate in statistical seminars organized by the Minstat.

Source data are routinely checked and verified. Usually, specialists for the Minstat visit the regional offices to check and to verify (a) if prices are collected correctly; (b) if acceptable goods are selected for the PPI; and (c) if goods specification are detailed enough to allow for substitution.

0.4.2 Processes are in place to monitor the quality of the statistical program

The Minstat’s Department of Statistical Planning coordinates all work associated with the improvement and maintenance of statistical quality. The information on such issues is considered by the Board of Management. All statistical questionnaires are sent to the Department of Statistical Planning for review. Then, the questionnaires are considered by the Scientific-Methodological Council of the Minstat and approved by the Minstat’s Board of Management.

The functions of the Board of Management of the Minstat include providing a clear focus on quality through close attention to methodological issues. This is, in turn, conveyed by management to staff throughout the organization. Each staff member is given a copy of a Duty Manual that, inter alia, reinforces the importance of high standards of work and the need to produce high standard statistics. In addition, staff members, as civil servants, are made aware of their responsibilities under the Law on the Civil Service, which includes references to the requirement for work of a high standard.

According to Article 3 of the Law on State Statistics, “Basic Tasks and Principles of State Statistics that is publicly available” states that the basic principles of state statistics are (a) objectivity and reliability of statistical information; (b) stability and comparability of statistical data; and (c) accessibility and openness of statistical information within the bounds set by the legislation of the Republic of Belarus.

Reviews are undertaken of all unusual movements in the price data received at the Minstat, and are traced back to the reporter, if necessary. The PPI data are disseminated twelve days after the reference period. First, the enterprises send the data to the regional statistical department on the second of the month after the reference period. Second, the regional statistical departments have three days to verify the data, and then on the fifth of the month after the reference period transmit the data to the Minstat’s headquarters.

PPI data are preliminary and are subject to revisions when disseminated by the Minstat.

0.4.3 Processes are in place to deal with quality considerations in planning the statistical program

There are no trade offs between timeliness and quality. The annual plan ensures that all deadlines are met, and quality price statistics are compiled and disseminated.

1.1 Professionalism

1.1.1 Statistics are produced on an impartial basis

Article 4 of the Law on State Statistics provides that the central statistical authority is subordinate to the Council of Ministers and shall act on the basis of the regulations approved by the Council of the Republic of Belarus. The regulations are prepared by the Minstat.

Article 10 provides that interference by any government authorities, officials, and other persons in the activity of the state statistical authorities shall not be permitted, and the mission was informed that there has never been any question of interference or attempted interference with the professional independence of the Minstat.

The appointment and termination of the minister are determined by the government. Upon election of the president a new government is formed. The present Minister of Statistics was appointed in 1998. The Minstat is contemplating proposing a change from a ministry to a National Statistical Committee, to help reinforce the notion of the independence of the chief statistician, making decisions based purely on statistical considerations and free from political interference.

Recruitment and promotion of specialists in the Minstat are based on the specialists’ expertise in statistics. Specialists are usually recruited from the faculty of the department of statistics at the Belarusian State Economic University. The Minstat encourages research and analysis by specialists to maintain the Minstat’s reputation for professionalism. Professionalism is also promoted through the encouragement of staff participation in training courses, workshops and seminars, to ensure awareness and understanding of statistical standards and good statistical practices.

The Minstat provides on-the-job training in prices at the regional and district levels. However, according to the Minstat, they do not have the opportunity to send their specialists in prices methodology and compilation methods to seminars and workshops arranged by the IMF Institute. The Minstat houses a statistical library where specialists can have easy access to professional literature.

The Minstat encourages specialist’s research and analysis to maintain the Minstat’s reputation for professionalism.

1.1.2 Choices of sources and statistical techniques as well as decisions about dissemination are informed solely by statistical considerations

The sources and methods for compiling prices statistics and component statistics are fully under the control of the Minstat, and concepts and standards follow international standards to a large extent. Appropriate data sources are used throughout the compilation of the PPI. There appears not to have been any outside interference or attempted interference in matters of sources, methods, and dissemination.

Interference by any government authorities, officials, and other persons in the activity of the state statistical authorities is not permitted. There have been no known cases of interference or attempted interference.

Article 10 of the Law of the Republic of Belarus on State Statistics provide guarantees of independence in the selection of the methodology, data sources, content, and format of the data disseminated by the Minstat. According to the Minstat, there is no external interference in the conduct of its work. Article 3 of the Law on Statistics reinforces this by stating that one of the basic principles of state statistics is objectivity and reliability of statistical information.

1.1.3 The appropriate statistical entity is entitled to comment on erroneous interpretation and misuse of statistics

Article 10 of the Law “the Rights of State Statistical Authorities” states, among other things that the Minstat has the right to comment on the incorrect utilization and incorrect interpretation of statistical data. In cases where there are erroneous interpretations of the statistics, the Minstat will provide clarifications in the mass media (Publications in the National Economic Gazette can be used as an example). The Minstat monitors all newspapers for erroneous interpretation of the PPI and provides timely responses.

1.2 Transparency

1.2.1 The terms and conditions under which statistics are collected, processed, and disseminated are available to the public

The Minstat’s web site at http://president.gov.by/Minstat/en/about/law.htm provides the Law of the Republic of Belarus on State Statistics. The terms and conditions under which official statistics are collected, compiled and disseminated are provided. These terms and conditions refer to the obligation to compile and disseminate price statistics, the confidentiality of the data reported, and other key features such as the Minstat’s rights.

All statistical publications identify where more information about the Minstat and its prices statistics can be found.

1.2.2 Internal governmental access to statistics prior to their release is publicly identified

Metadata for prices posted on the Minstat’s web site at http://president.gov.by/The Minstat/en/main.html clearly states that there is no internal governmental access to statistics prior to their release to the public.

1.2.3 Products of statistical agencies/units are clearly identified as such

Products of the Minstat are clearly identified through the use of the Ministry’s name and logo on the web site and in publications. In the case of joint publications, the part attributable to the Minstat is clearly identified. The Minstat requests acknowledgement when its prices statistics are used for reproduction in other agencies’ or ministries’ publications.

1.2.4 Advanced notice is given of major changes in methodology, source data, and statistical techniques

The Minstat does not give advance notice to the public in statistical publications when major changes are introduced in methodology, sources, and statistical techniques for compilation of prices statistics. This mission was informed that prior to 2003, advance notice of planned changes, in summary form, was given to the public in the National Register of Legal Acts. However, this practice has now been discontinued. Users can obtain information on the changes in methodology, sources, and statistical techniques for compilation of prices statistics from the reference data base of regulative legal information maintained by the National Center of Legal Acts.

1.3 Ethical standards

1.3.1 Guidelines for staff behavior are in place and are well known to the staff

Articles 13 and 15 of the Law on State Statistics provide guidelines on correct behavior when the Minstat or its staff is confronted with potential conflict of interest situations.

Article 13 “Obligations of Ministries and Other Central Administrative” stipulates that authorities that maintain state statistics are required to preserve state and commercial secrecy.

Article 15, “Liability for Violations Committed while Using Statistical Data,” states that employees of state statistical authorities, ministries, and other central administrative authorities who maintain state statistics shall bear liability in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Belarus for violating the requirements of this Law concerning the collection and use of statistical data and for concealing and distorting them.

Requirements regarding staff behavior are notified in the Duty Manual, which is provided to each staff member. The Law on Civil Service also provides guidelines about staff behavior. This Law was recently amended and training courses were arranged to inform staff about their responsibilities.

All new staff is required to sign an employment contract that outlines the ethical standards, and are reminded annually of these standards.

The Law on Civil Service requires civil servants to observe culture of communication and other norms of business ethics, not allow actions that negatively affect civil service, maintain confidentiality about work activities, and observe internal regulations of work procedures, especially with those related to confidential information. It provides guidelines about staff behavior, including the need to ensure the preservation of the confidentiality of data for individual entities. This Law was recently amended and training courses were arranged to inform staff about their responsibilities.

2.1 Concepts and definitions

2.1.1 The overall structure in terms of concepts and definitions follows internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or good practices

In the Minstat’s compilation of PPI statistics, key concepts and definitions are in accordance with the guidelines of the 1993 SNA and broadly follow internationally accepted good practices. The methodology for compiling the PPI is described in detail in the publication Methodological Guideline in Statistics (2003).

Output estimates are compiled at the subgroup or five digit levels for industrial detail.

2.2 Scope

2.2.1 The scope is broadly consistent with internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or good practices

The PPI covers total industry and is given with breakdown by 14 main branches of industry, which are (a) electric power, (b) fuel, (c) ferrous, (d) chemical and petrochemical, (e) machine-building and metal cutting, (f) logging, wood-working and pulp and paper, (g) building materials, (h) glass, porcelain and faience, (i) light industry, (j) food, (k) microbiological, (l) fodder, flour and grains, (m) medical, (n) other industries. The PPI cover timber processing, fishing, and construction activities, but does not cover agriculture and forestry.

There is no service type industries included in the output price index. The DPS has studied the feasibility of including services in the index, but found the task too difficult. All types of resident market enterprises are in scope for the PPI. Enterprises such as free zones, bonded warehouses, and factories operated by offshore enterprises under customs control are covered in the index.

Changes in output inventories and own-account production of market goods for own final consumption, output of market goods for own-account fixed capital formation, illegal market goods, market services production for sale, production of selected services for own final consumption, production of services for own account fixed capital formation, and illegal market services sold to willing buyers are not included in the index.

2.3 Classification/sectorization

2.3.1 Classification/sectorization systems used are broadly consistent with internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or good practices

The 1993 SNA is followed to classify institutional units and transactions. The published industry indices use International Standard Industrial Classification of all Economic Activities (ISIC) Revision 3, while partial Standard Classification of Economic Activities within the European Communities (NACE) is also used to classify the principal economic activity of enterprises at the most detailed level. Proposals have been submitted to classify products according to the classification of products by activity.

2.4 Basis for recording

2.4.1 Market prices are used to value flows and stocks

The valuation rules used for recording flows are in accordance with 1993 SNA. The timing used for recording flows is based on the sales of the period. The valuation rule used for valuing the output (for the weights of the PPI) and the product prices collected is based on basic/producer prices. Outputs for own-use are not covered in the PPI (only sold products are covered).

Prices collected are basic prices received by the producer. VAT and consumption taxes are excluded. Subsidies on products are included.

There are no valuations for intermediate consumption. All valuations are based on goods for final production. The production specifications include transaction characteristics, such as transactions between units of the same enterprise valued at transfer price.

2.4.2 Recording is done on an accrual basis

Outputs of finished goods are recorded in the period they are produced.

2.4.3 Grossing/netting procedures are broadly consistent with internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or good practices

There are no stage of processing indices produced, and therefore no grossing or netting is conducted. In addition, there are no problems with transactions between establishments of the same enterprise.

3.1 Source data

3.1.1 Source data are obtained from comprehensive data collection programs that take into account country-specific conditions

A comprehensive and up-to-date business register provides the basis for sample surveys. The business register is updated annually and covers all enterprises. The weights for the PPI are based on product data obtained from these surveys.

The PPI statistical survey is derived from the business registry. The resulting data from the survey are kept under continuous review to ensure that all data are comprehensive. On an annual basis, specialists in the Minstat thoroughly review the business registry to identify new enterprises and products to include into PPI, and to delete dead units and accounting for mergers and changeovers. The majority of the enterprises is large and medium entities that are always kept in the sample. Small enterprises are selected, but there is a panel rotation for these small enterprises that is done in order to minimize any bias caused by sample attrition.

The data sources of the data collection program are broadly sufficient to compile the PPI. Nine hundred and fifty-six enterprises are included in the survey for 3,000 products.

Information from the Department of Statistics of Enterprise and Fuel, Energy Complex is used to supplement the core compilation.

The sample is selected on a judgmental basis (random sampling is not used). For the enterprise selection, first industries are selected, then sub-industries, followed by the decision of what production of activities to select, then after enterprises are selected.

For the product selection, first the commodities (product groups) are selected in the 4-digit classes by judgmental sampling (the most important groups), then the main producers (enterprises) of the selected commodities are selected, and, finally, from these enterprises, the particular price-representing products are selected, also by judgmental selection.

Survey questionnaires are agreed upon according to pilot testing of the enterprises, and during the design of the survey questionnaires.

The survey coverage of activities for the main industrial group is 68 percent. Within the most important industries the coverage is much wider. For example, in electric power the coverage is 91 percent, in chemical 91 percent, building materials 82 percent, glass, porcelain, and faience 77 percent. The coverage is narrower in the industries that have numerous enterprises in the Republic of Belarus, (a) food (63 percent), and (b) logging, wood-working and pulp and paper (59 percent). The mission felt that coverage is inadequate. According to the Inter-Secretariat Working Group on Price Statistics, the broader the coverage of the PPI in terms of economic activities, the more useful it is in inflation analysis and compiling constant price GDP estimates. The PPI does not cover service industries, and the mission felt that the Minstat should develop sampling frames for a wide range of economic activities that include services.

Unfortunately, there are no periodic meetings held with enterprises to identify new developments that are needed to be taken into account in the PPI compilation. This problem highlights the need for a users’ group.

3.1.2 Source data reasonably approximate the definitions, scope, classifications, valuation, and time of recording required

Source data are consistent with the definition, scope, and classifications of PPI statistics. All source data on prices from enterprises selected from the business registry are specifically collected for the compilation of the PPI.

On the basis of the statistical register, the Minstat selects a list of enterprises for inclusion into the producer price survey. The enterprise surveys cover all enterprises regardless of size. The surveys are conducted according to the national classification of economic activities. This list of enterprises is provided to the regional departments of price statistics. The regional departments then select the goods for the price survey jointly with the specialists of the selected enterprises.

On the surveys, enterprises are asked to provide product prices and production volumes. The survey explicitly asked that enterprises provide production volumes information on recent period’s inventory. A carefully designed product specification survey is first developed in the Minstat that includes pertinent price determining characteristics. The enterprises are then asked to report the price of the selected product specifications each month.

This product specification includes information such as size, color, weight, volume, speed, and power. All surveys indicate the deadline (on the second of the month after the reference period) in which the survey should be completed and mailed to regional offices. The basis of recording, which excludes value-added and excise taxes and transport charges, are also included on the survey form.

Specialists in regional offices often provide standing seminars for enterprises on how to correctly fill out surveys, and answer any questions pertaining to data collection in order to facilitate timely response.

3.1.3 Source data are timely

Enterprises present data on the transactions made within the month for the selected product. By the second day of the month after the reference period, surveys should be received in the regional offices for tabulation. On the fifth day of the month, the regional offices send their reports to the Minstat headquarters for weighting and compilation. According to the Minstat, all surveys from all enterprises are received on time and there is a 100 percent response.

3.2 Assessment of source data

3.2.1 Source data—including censuses, sample surveys and administrative records—are routinely assessed, for example, for coverage, sample error, response error, and nonsampling error; the results of the assessments are monitored and made available to guide statistical processes

Information about errors for each survey conducted is monitored on a monthly basis. Information on weights, price relatives, misclassifications, and outliers are routinely checked. Problems of no response are uncommon due to the established relationships between the statistical authorities and the enterprises. Imputations are done to account for any misclassifications. If there were a mistake with last month’s price, the specialist would be alerted and corrections to previous data would be done.

All large movements in prices are traced back to the enterprise if warranted and are verified. Post-enumeration checks are made, and the index is revised back to two months. Pilot testing is done to analyze the effects of changes in the survey questionnaires. Comments and recommendations are solicited from the enterprises in order to design a better enterprise survey.

There are no administrative data and other secondary sources.

3.3 Statistical techniques

3.3.1 Data compilation employs sound statistical techniques to deal with data sources

The PPI is collected and tabulated first at the regional level, then in the Minstat’s headquarters. At the regional level, enterprise surveys are verified, checked, and then entered into the computer system. Upon receipt in the Minstat’s headquarters, elementary aggregates are first weighted and calculated for product by basis arithmetic mean of price ratios, second by sub-industry, third by industries, and fourth for the Republic of Belarus as a whole using a Laspeyres index approach.

Compilation procedures minimize processing errors such as coding, editing, and tabulation errors. In 2003, the DPS developed new PPI software. This software enables specialists to identify any errors such as sampling, nonsampling, and observation errors.

Adjustments to unit records are made only when clearly warranted and can be identified in the price tabulations. When outliers are identified, the data are first verified from the datasets in the Minstat’s headquarters, and then the regional offices are contacted if adjustments are needed.

Procedures for imputation and adjustment are soundly based. There are no failures to obtain the required information in a timely manner from all enterprises selected in the sample. Specialists in the regional offices often provide standing seminars for enterprises on how to correctly fill out surveys, and to answer any questions pertaining to data collection in order to facilitate timely response.

No adjustments are necessary to adjust data sources to improve coverage since data sources are derived from the business registry. All enterprises have to be registered and an annually up-to-date business register exists.

Prices for temporarily missing products are imputed based on the change in price of similar products using the match sample technique. However, in certain cases, the last reported price is carried forward. Missing prices for seasonal products are imputed at the sub-industry level. Products that become permanently unavailable are replaced in the sample and back corrections are made to adjust the base price.

The design of the product specification allows for such replacements. Quality adjustments for products are conducted, usually using both implicit and explicit quality adjustment methods.

New products are introduced into the sample as they gain market share. However, the normal practice is to defer introduction of those products into the PPI until the following year when the weights are updated.

3.3.2 Other statistical procedures (for example, data adjustments and transformations, and statistical analysis) employ sound statistical techniques

At the elementary level, an arithmetic mean or the ratio of average prices is used to calculate the index. Short-term price change is calculated for prices in the last three months and prices for the previous month. Long-term price change is calculated for a historical chained index with December 1990 = 100.

The method used to aggregate the elementary indices to higher levels is a Laspeyres formula. The present PPI weights refer to the year 2002. The weights are fixed at the item level, and are adjusted for price change to align them with the appropriate price reference period. The weights for the PPI are compiled using data from the business surveys on values of goods produced. These weights are revised annually and introduced into the index in January. New weights are introduced by the normal linking process, and nine months are needed to link the old index to the new index.

These weights are shares in gross output, as defined in the 1993 SNA. Work in progress (work currently under production), production such as growing crops, standing timber, stocks of fish, and large construction projects are not included in the PPI. The PPI has output weights that it compiles from establishment reports of output.

Producers who own their buildings and factories do not provide imputed rents for the PPI. All products are priced at actual transaction price.

3.4 Assessment and validation of intermediate data and statistical outputs

3.4.1 Intermediate results are validated against other information where applicable

The PPI is checked against the relevant components of the CPI.

3.4.2 Statistical discrepancies in intermediate data are assessed and investigated

Unusual movements in the index arising from large movements in particular sectors or from particular enterprises are investigated and explained in descriptive documentations. Errors found during verification of the reported data on producer prices are analyzed by the Minstat and sent to the regional statistical department to prevent them in the future. Findings from these statistical discrepancies are shared with the specialists at the regional offices with the hope that future errors can be avoided. However, these documents are not available to the public.

No information is available about sampling errors for the monthly statistical survey collecting product prices for the PPI because random sampling is not used.

There are minimal problems with nonresponse. Monthly statistical surveys for collecting producer prices are followed-up by the regional specialists by a telephone call or a personal visit when surveys are not received on time.

3.4.3 Statistical discrepancies and other potential indicators of problems in statistical outputs are investigated

Discrepancies arising from inconsistent imputation for missing data, seasonal goods, and quality adjusted goods are routinely assessed. There are ranges of control edits supported by computer programs that can be used to assess and validate the data.

3.5 Revision studies

3.5.1 Studies and analyses of revisions are carried out routinely and used internally to inform statistical processes (see also 4.3.3)

PPI data are first released as preliminary, and then two months later, PPI data become final. Revised data are identified by footnotes in the statistical publications.

Once per year, weights are routinely analyzed to determine the effects of structural changes in the index; new and old structures of weights are compared. Source data are analyzed to determine nonsampling errors.

Adequate documentation on these revision studies is well maintained and includes methods used to incorporate new data sources, and the way data are adjusted. All proposals for weight revisions must be approved by the Scientific-methodological Council of the Minstat.

4.1 Periodicity and timeliness

4.1.1 Periodicity follows dissemination standards

The periodicity of the statistics follows the SDDS requirements. PPI data are compiled monthly.

4.1.2 Timeliness follows dissemination standards

The monthly estimates are disseminated within one month after the end of the reference month. Summary PPI statistics are disseminated 12 days after the end of the reference period, while more detailed PPI data are disseminated 21 days after the end of the reference period, and, accordingly, exceeds SDDS requirements.

4.2 Consistency

4.2.1 Statistics are consistent within the dataset

Consistent PPI series are published for industry and product classifications.

4.2.2 Statistics are consistent or reconcilable over a reasonable period of time

Time series data are available for the last fourteen years. Historical time-series data are available for December 1990 = 100. In July 1993, the IMF Technical Assistance mission recommended that the new PPI and historical time-series should be officially published so that other government agencies, businesses and international organizations can take advantage of the State Statistical Committee’s most reliable broad-based measure of the general level of inflation for the Republic of Belarus. During the mission the historical time series for 14 years were published (December 1990 = 100), therefore meeting the no less than five years requirement of good statistical practices. The infrequent publications of long time series data of five years or greater, with a given reference base, does not meet international good practice for index publication. This historical time-series is only published in the National Economic Gazette, and not in any official statistical publications.

The DPS hyperlinked the PPI historical time-series to the Minstat’s web site during the mission. The availability of historical time-series is a requirement of the SDDS.

4.2.3 Statistics are consistent or reconcilable with those obtained through other data sources and/or statistical frameworks

PPI data are largely consistent with the CPI statistics.

4.3 Revision policy and practice

4.3.1 Revisions follow a regular and transparent schedule

PPI data are revised once published, and the index weights of the PPI are updated annually. The new weights are normally introduced with data published in January.

The public is aware of the annual weight updating of the PPI.

4.3.2 Preliminary and/or revised data are clearly identified

Both preliminary and revised PPI data are clearly identified.

4.3.3 Studies and analyses of revisions are made public (see also 3.5.1)

The impact of annual weight updating studies is not disseminated in official statistical publications, but would be appropriate for the annual PPI statistical bulletins.

5.1 Data accessibility

5.1.1 Statistics are presented in a way that facilitates proper interpretation and meaningful comparisons (layout and clarity of text, tables, and charts)

PPI data are published in a clear manner. In certain publications, charts and tables are also disseminated with the data to facilitate analysis. Datasets are published in consolidated format as a whole, by industries, subindustries, by means of production, intermediate, and consumer good. In all statistical publications, the PPI data are published for the Republic as a whole against the previous month and also against December of the previous year. Chain-linked historical time series data are disseminated in the National Economic Gazette on an infrequent basis.

Relevant series are not disseminated in a seasonally adjusted form, and there are no plans to seasonally adjust the data.

5.1.2 Dissemination media and format are adequate

PPI data are disseminated in ways that facilitate redissemination in the media through official press releases and internet web site. The data are simultaneously disseminated to all interested parties through a press release prepared by the Minstat, “Balta,” which is a monthly press release. Data are also simultaneously disseminated on the Minstat’s internet web site http://president.gov.by/Minstat/main.html.

More comprehensive and/or detailed statistics are also disseminated. Requests for these types of data are usually completed in five days and longer if requests are labor intensive.

PPI data are published for the Republic as a whole against the previous month and also against December of the previous year are published on the Minstat’s web site.

5.1.3 Statistics are released on a preannounced schedule

An advance release calendar is posted on the Minstat’s web site, http://president.gov.by/Minstat/main.html, with release dates for the upcoming three months.

PPI data are usually released punctually on the 12^th of the month. If the 12^th is not a working day, the PPI is released on the prior Friday before the 12^th.

5.1.4 Statistics are made available to all users at the same time

PPI data are transmitted simultaneously to all users on the 12^th of the month, or the prior Friday before the 12^th of the month, usually through the press release.

5.1.5 Statistics not routinely disseminated are made available upon request

Detailed customized tabulation (detailed breakdowns) of PPI data is available upon request, in addition to the PPI routinely disseminated. For specific purposes, customized tabulation of data that satisfy the Minstat’s disclosure requirements is also available for a fee.

Data users are aware of the availability of additional statistics and of the procedures for obtaining them. These procedures are explicitly provided in statistical publications.

5.2 Metadata accessibility

5.2.1 Documentation on concepts, scope, classifications, basis of recording, data sources, and statistical techniques is available, and differences from internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or good practices are annotated

Limited PPI methodologies are provided in (a) the Statistical Yearbook of the Republic of Belarus, 2003, (b) the Consumer Price Indices, (c) the Quarterly Statistical Bulletin, and (d) the Price Indices for Consumer Goods and Services, and for Produced Industrial Goods. Very detailed methodological descriptions are provided in statistical publications, such as Methodological Guidelines and Methodological Guidelines on Statistics; however, these publications are not easily accessible to the public. The users can obtain information in the reference database of the regulative-legal information.

There is no published information in official statistical publications on the survey sources, such as the response rates, survey monitoring, non sampling errors, sample frame, sample design, estimation, and imputation techniques. However, references are made of the administrative data sources used.

The Republic of Belarus is expected to subscribe to the SDDS in the near future. However, there are PPI metadata in SDDS format that are posted on the Minstat’s web site, though there are no SDDS summary methodologies on PPI at this time.

5.2.2 Levels of detail are adapted to the needs of the intended audience

There are no pamphlets, brochures, background papers, or working documents about the PPI and other prices statistics that are made available to the public on a frequent basis.

5.3 Assistance to users

5.3.1 Contact points for each subject field are publicized

A contact person with telephone, facsimile, email, and internet address is provided on the inside of most price statistics publications.

Assistance to users is monitored and reviewed periodically. According to the Minstat, when requests are made for PPI data, the General Department logs these requests with a number, and tracks when the request was made and implemented. Users, however, said that request for data are not met in a timely manner.

5.3.2 Catalogs of publications, documents, and other services, including information on any changes, are widely available

The Minstat publishes a comprehensive print catalogue of all of its publications. This catalogue is annually updated. The prices of the statistical products and services are not disclosed due to the frequent changes in price. Prices are listed as contractual.

Table 3.

Republic of Belarus: Data Quality Assessment Framework (July 2003): Summary of Results for Price Statistics (Consumer Price Index)

(Compiling Agency: Minstat)

Table 3.

Republic of Belarus: Data Quality Assessment Framework (July 2003): Summary of Results for Price Statistics (Consumer Price Index)

(Compiling Agency: Minstat)

Key to symbols: NA = Not Applicable; O = Practice Observed; LO = Practice Largely Observed; LNO = Practice Largely Not Observed; NO = Practice Not Observed; SDDS = Complies with SDDS Criteria
Element	NA	Assessment				Comments
		O	LO	LNO	NO
0. Prerequisites of quality
0.1 Legal and institutional environment			X			There are no procedures to ensure confidentiality where small numbers of entities are concerned.
0.2 Resources			X			There are no provisions for emergency back-up systems for retrieval of PPI statistics
0.3 Relevance				X		There is no user's advisory committee or working group
0.4 Other quality management		X
1. Assurances of integrity
1.1 Professionalism		X
1.2 Transparency				X		Advance notice is not given of major changes in methodology, source data, and statistical techniques.
1.3 Ethical standards		X
2. soundness
2.1 Concepts and definitions		X
2.2 Scope			X			Service type industries are not included in the PPI. Own-account production, and rental for own-account dwellings are not imputed.
2.3 Classification/sectorization		X
2.4 Basis for recording		X
3. Accuracy and reliability
3.1 Source data		X
3.2 Assessment of source data		X
3.3 Statistical techniques		X
3.4 Assessment and validation of intermediate data and statistical outputs		X
3.5 Revision studies		X
4. Serviceability
4.1 Periodicity and timeliness		X
4.2 Consistency			X			Historical time-series data have been infrequently published.
4.3 Revision policy and practice			X			Revisions studies on weight updating are not made public.
5. Accessibility
5.1 Data accessibility			X			Infrequent publication of long term time-series data. Relevant series are not disseminated in a seasonally adjusted manner.
5.2 Metadata accessibility			X			Detailed methodological guidelines are not easily accessible.
5.3 Assistance to users			X			Users said that request for data are not met in a timely manner.

View Table

Table 3.

Republic of Belarus: Data Quality Assessment Framework (July 2003): Summary of Results for Price Statistics (Consumer Price Index)

(Compiling Agency: Minstat)

Key to symbols: NA = Not Applicable; O = Practice Observed; LO = Practice Largely Observed; LNO = Practice Largely Not Observed; NO = Practice Not Observed; SDDS = Complies with SDDS Criteria
Element	NA	Assessment				Comments
		O	LO	LNO	NO
0. Prerequisites of quality
0.1 Legal and institutional environment			X			There are no procedures to ensure confidentiality where small numbers of entities are concerned.
0.2 Resources			X			There are no provisions for emergency back-up systems for retrieval of PPI statistics
0.3 Relevance				X		There is no user's advisory committee or working group
0.4 Other quality management		X
1. Assurances of integrity
1.1 Professionalism		X
1.2 Transparency				X		Advance notice is not given of major changes in methodology, source data, and statistical techniques.
1.3 Ethical standards		X
2. soundness
2.1 Concepts and definitions		X
2.2 Scope			X			Service type industries are not included in the PPI. Own-account production, and rental for own-account dwellings are not imputed.
2.3 Classification/sectorization		X
2.4 Basis for recording		X
3. Accuracy and reliability
3.1 Source data		X
3.2 Assessment of source data		X
3.3 Statistical techniques		X
3.4 Assessment and validation of intermediate data and statistical outputs		X
3.5 Revision studies		X
4. Serviceability
4.1 Periodicity and timeliness		X
4.2 Consistency			X			Historical time-series data have been infrequently published.
4.3 Revision policy and practice			X			Revisions studies on weight updating are not made public.
5. Accessibility
5.1 Data accessibility			X			Infrequent publication of long term time-series data. Relevant series are not disseminated in a seasonally adjusted manner.
5.2 Metadata accessibility			X			Detailed methodological guidelines are not easily accessible.
5.3 Assistance to users			X			Users said that request for data are not met in a timely manner.

0.1 Legal and institutional environment

0.1.1 The responsibility for collecting, processing, and disseminating the statistics is clearly specified

Government finance statistics (GFS)¹⁵ on the general government operations are collected, compiled, and disseminated by the Ministry of Finance (MoF). The responsibility for compiling GFS is clearly specified in the Provision on Structural Units of the MoF (Order No. 322 of March 12, 2002). Article 8.4 states that the Budget Policy, Financial Analysis, and Forecasting Division of the MoF (BPFAFD) shall compile GFS in accordance with international standards. Article 9.14 states that the BPFSFD shall compile and submit GFS to the IMF, the Minstat, the NBRB, and other Belarusian agencies concerned. This provision also states that the GFS are prepared on the basis of reporting on the execution of consolidated budget of the Republic of Belarus (including state earmarked budgetary and extrabudgetary funds). The BPFAFD is also in charge of the compilation of budget data. The BPFAFD regularly provides GFS to the IMF for publication in International Financial Statistics and the Government Finance Statistics Yearbook. The BPFAFD also provides fiscal data to the IMF´s European Department. Additionally, the MoF compiles and disseminates some fiscal statistics, including those that may fulfill the SDDS requirements, and prepares analytical fiscal reports that include tables and graphics that are also disseminated on its web site on a monthly basis.

The compilation and dissemination of the budget execution data are conducted in accordance with the terms and conditions established in the following laws: (a) the Constitution of 1994 (and its amendments provided by the Republican Referendum of November 24, 1996); (b) Law on the Budget System of the Republic of Belarus and State Extrabudgetary Funds (law No. 2347-XII of June 4, 1993); (c) Law on the 2004 Budget of the Republic of Belarus (law No. 259-3 of December 29, 2003); (d) Law on Budget Classification (law No. 158-3 of May 5, 1999); (e) Law on the Internal Government Debt of Republic of Belarus (law No. 2328-XII of May 27, 1993); (f) Law on the External Government Debt of the Republic of Belarus (law No. 170-Z of June 22, 1998); (g) Law on Accounting and Reporting and its amendments (law No. 42-3 of June 25, 2001); (h) the Provision on Accounting Reports of Organizations financed by the Budget (provision No. 13 of January 30, 2002); and (i) Law on Local Government and Self-government in the Republic of Belarus (law No. 617-XII of February 20, 1991). These laws provide adequate support for the production of the fiscal data for budget management and GFS.

Article 34 of the Constitution states that the citizens should be guaranteed the rights to receive, store, and disseminate complete, reliable, and timely information of the activities of state bodies and public associations, on political, economic, cultural, international, and environmental grounds. The use of information may be restricted to safeguard the honor, dignity, personal, and family aspects of the citizens and the complete implementation on their rights. Regarding budget issues, article 133 of the Constitution states that the budget system of the Republic of Belarus should include the national budget and local budgets, and article 134 states that the procedures for preparation, approval, and implementation of budgets and extrabudgetary funds should be determined by law.

The Law on the Budget System of the Republic of Belarus and State Extrabudgetary Funds defines the principles that rule the budget system and establishes the general guidelines for the compilation, approval, and execution of budgets. Article 5 states that the budget system of the Republic of Belarus comprises the Republican and local budgets as its independent components, and article 11 states that approved budgets and reports on the execution of the budget should be published in the press. Also, article 20 states that the MoF will compile a report on execution of the consolidated budget of the Republic of Belarus for the previous (fiscal) year, including reports on executions of the Republican budget and budgets of oblasts and the city of Minsk, and they should be submitted to the government of the Republic of Belarus. The report on annual budget execution should be approved by the Parliament of the Republic of Belarus. Article 8 establishes the procedures to provide effective and timely flow of source data and that the consistency of the budget will be ensured by (a) a unique legislative baseline; (b) a single form of budget documentation; (c) a single budget classification; and (d) the reporting of statistical and budgetary information of Republican and local budgets for the compilation of consolidated budget, and coordinated principles of the budget process.

The Law in the 2004 Budget of the Republic of Belarus approves the Republican budget for 2004 on expenditures proceeding from predicted revenues, establishes the maximum deficit, and determines sources for the financing of the deficit.

The Law on Budget Classification provides the definitions of budget classification of the Republic of Belarus. This is a single classification used for compilation, approval, and execution of the Republican and local budgets, state earmarked budgetary funds, and extrabudgetary operations. The budget classification includes (a) a revenue classification; (b) expense classifications that comprise functional, economic, and institutional classification; (c) a classification of domestic financing; (d) a classification of external financing; (e) a classification of domestic debt; and (f) a classification of external debt.

The Law on Internal Government Debt of the Republic of Belarus presents the definition and characteristics of government’s domestic debt, including the government guaranteed debt, and defines the procedures for its management.

The Law on External Government Debt of the Republic of Belarus presents the terms and conditions of government’s foreign debt. This law establishes that the government’s foreign loans should be set up in accordance with the budget of the Republic of Belarus. Additionally, this law includes the procedures for the execution of the government guarantees on government’s foreign debt.

The Law on Changes and Amendments in the Law of the Republic of Belarus, “On Accounting and Reporting,” states in article 13 that the MoF determines the composition of accounting records of organizations that are financed from the budget. Also, the Provision on Accounting Reports of Organizations financed by the Budget states that all legal entities will provide accounting financial reports to the MoF. These data will include a balance sheet.

The Law on Local Government and Self-Government in the Republic of Belarus¹⁶ states in article 9 that the oblasts’ and Minsk City’s executive committees will submit to the Republican body of the government administration in charge of public finances, consolidated budgets for the next fiscal year and report on execution of budgets for the previous year taking into account procedures and deadlines specified by this body. Article 40 states that the financial resources of the local governments consist of budget and extrabudgetary resources of councils, executive committees, local administrations and self-government bodies.

The Law on State Statistics (law No. 18-3 of February 17, 1997) states the basic tasks and principles of State statistics. The basic tasks include the submission of statistical information to governmental authorities and its dissemination among other users. Article 5 states that the ministries and other central administrative authorities should maintain statistics in accordance with the forms and methodological instructions approved by the central statistical authority (the Minstat). Also, article 8 states that all legal entities should be required to submit statistical reports taking into account the forms, deadlines, and specifications approved by the central statistics authority, and article 11 states that the ministries that maintain State statistics should supervise the recording and reporting, and verify the reliability of the statistics provided. In practice, the Minstat does not send any format or methodological specifications to the MoF. The fiscal data used by the Minstat are prepared with the format and methodology provided by the MoF. Article 13 establishes the obligations of the ministries to (a) ensure collection, processing, and reliability of statistical data; (b) submit data to the State statistical authorities required to perform their statistical activities; and (c) preserve state and commercial secrecy.

The MoF has recently drafted the Budget Code of the Republic of Belarus to replace the Law on the Budget System of the Republic of Belarus and State Extrabudgetary Funds. The MoF expects to submit the draft of the Budget Code to the Government by July 2004.

0.1.2 Data sharing and coordination among data-producing agencies are adequate

Data sharing and coordination among the MoF, the Ministry of Economy, the NBRB, and the Minstat are adequate. However, the budgetary data provided to the NBRB is not enough for reconciliation of the fiscal and monetary data. Although there are no formal working arrangements to ensure regular reconciliation of monetary, balance of payments, national accounts, and fiscal data, article 21 of the Law on the Budget System of the Republic of Belarus and State Extrabudgetary Funds establishes that the MoF, the Ministry of Economy, and the NBRB should coordinate the preparation of the main economic assumptions and the basic guidelines of the budget and financial policies. Also, this law states that the Minstat and the NBRB will submit statistical information needed to prepare projections of socioeconomic developments and budgets to the MoF and local executive branches.

0.1.3 Individual reporters’ data are to be kept confidential and used for statistical purposes only

The confidentiality of data received from reporters is protected by the Law on National Statistics, which states that all information containing state and commercial secrets should not be subjected to disclosure and should be protected. Also, the State Secret Law (Decree of the President of the Republic of Belarus No. 129 of March 3, 1999) presents a list of datasets that constitute state secret of the Republic of Belarus. This list includes data on financial transfers and payments from the Republican Budget that data disclosure may entail grave consequences for national security, defense, political, and economic interests of the Republic of Belarus. In addition, article 21 of the Law on Civil Service in the Republic of Belarus (law No. 204-3 of June 14, 2003) states, among the obligations of civil service, that civil servants must not disseminate state secrets entrusted to them, and the disclosure of state secrets could result in their dismissal of the civil service.

0.1.4 Statistical reporting is ensured through legal mandate and/or measures to encourage response

The Law on the Budget System of the Republic of Belarus and State Extrabudgetary Funds enforces each administrative authority of the Republican budget and local governments to submit to the MoF consolidated budgets (in the case of local government, the consolidated budget will include budget information of the oblasts and the city of Minsk) and reports on the execution of budgets within the deadlines established by the MoF. Also, at the request of the MoF, banks provide information about the status of the financial accounts of ministries, other Republican government authorities, state extrabudgetary funds, other legal entities, and individuals that use financial resources of the budget and extrabudgetary funds.

In addition, article 22 of this law on the budget system states that the MoF has the rights to restrict and suspend the financing of expenditures in the event that recipients failed to provide information or not use resources for designated purposes. Article 29 states that the MoF will prepare and submit to the President of the Republic of Belarus, for presentation to the Parliament, a report on execution of Republican budget no later than five months after the last day of the fiscal year.

The laws on domestic and foreign government debts status that the MoF shall maintain records of domestic and foreign government debts, as well as records of debt of local councils of deputies. Also, this legislation requires a uniform system for the registration and management of foreign government loans in the MoF.

The law on accounting and reporting states that the MoF outlines the types of reports, data reporting requirements (including periodicity), a calendar for reporting, and penalties for not reporting the information requested by this unit. These reports and formats are defined by the Provision on Accounting Reports of Organizations Financed by the Budget. Also, this law says that state enterprises will submit accounting reports to the general government units authorized to manage their state property.

Additionally, there are administrative provisions for collecting the information necessary to compile budget execution reports, such as the provision of assistance to reporters in completing and submitting forms and the preparation of a calendar for reporting data to the MoF. There is a recognition in the MoF about the high level of compliance of the budgetary and local government units in reporting data.

0.2 Resources

0.2.1 Staff, facilities, computing resources, and financing are commensurate with statistical programs

GFS are compiled by one economist in the BPFAFD of the MoF. This GFS staff compilation work is supervised by the head of BPFAFD and is done in addition to the staff’s other regular tasks. Although the staff’s qualifications are adequate to perform the required compilation tasks, the authorities of the MoF should increase the number of personnel involved in GFS compilation, especially if the MoF decides to migrate to the new analytical framework. The MoF does not experience a high staff turnover.

The economist in charge of GFS compilation participated in a GFS course based on GFSM 1986 methodology in 1999, and this staff member is scheduled to attend the GFS Joint Vienna Institute course based on the GFSM 2001 in 2004. There are some measures in place to encourage the retention of experienced staff. However, there are constraints on promotion and merit increases within the civil service system.

Available computer resources are reasonable, but they need to be updated. Although software utilized for compiling GFS is adequate for current needs, this software has problems for the conversion to GFS format. This software and the software for data analysis require to be updated. The MoF has a unit in charge of information and computing issues for the entire institution. This unit provides anti-virus software, but does not keep back-up of the GFS produced in the MoF.

Although physical facilities appear adequate for current GFS, financial resources for the collection, compilation, and dissemination is insufficient. The restriction will be more evident with increased future GFS activities such as for SDDS subscription and migration to GFSM 2001.

0.2.2 Measures to ensure efficient use of resources are implemented

The costs associated for the GFS compilation are not separately calculated. Nevertheless, the MoF carries out reviews of staff performance. These reviews are performed at least once every three years. The result of this review process is to be used for the promotion policy implemented in the MoF.

In recent years, the MoF has sought expert assistance from the IMF, especially from the Fiscal Affairs Department (FAD), to assess treasury activities, public expenditure management and budget code and budget classification. In 1993, a multitopic statistical mission from the IMF’s Statistics Department visited Minsk. Also, some technical assistance have been provided by the World Bank and other international organizations.

0.3 Relevance

0.3.1 The relevance and practical utility of existing statistics in meeting users’ needs are monitored

Although the MoF does not undertake research to help identify new and emerging data requirements, official letters from other public institutions, such as the State Custom Committee, requesting changes in the data compiled and disseminated are taken into account for future quality improvements in fiscal data. There are no surveys for obtaining feedback about the relevance and practical utility of fiscal data for analytical purposes, although some feedback is received from other government units, such as the State Custom Committee about the detailed information provided by the MoF.

0.4 Other quality management

0.4.1 Processes are in place to focus on quality

The MoF is fully aware that quality should be the cornerstone of the budget and statistical processes. To this end, major efforts have been put in place during the last year to compile and disseminate a more complete set of fiscal data with increased coverage of institutions (for example, the budget now includes the Social Protection Fund of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Republic of Belarus), and to improve timeliness and periodicity.

Currently, the Republic of Belarus is working to fulfill all the requirements for subscription to the SDDS.

0.4.2 Processes are in place to monitor the quality of the statistical program

Some monitoring mechanisms are in place to ensure consistency in the production of fiscal data. Thus, over the course of the fiscal year, the execution of the Republican Budget is monitored by the MoF and the State Control Committee. Also, for monitoring purposes, the MoF and local administrative authorities at the higher territorial level have the rights to request any information related to budget execution.

0.4.3 Processes are in place to deal with quality considerations in planning the statistical program

There are no formal processes to assess the quality of the GFS, and no medium term plan to improve data quality. However, efforts are made to ensure the internal consistency of the data and to improve quality. For instance:

• the MoF is being extended to include all extrabudgetary operations, which should result in a more complete institutional coverage;

• the MoF is working on improvements in the GFS classification, especially in the expenditure economic and functional classifications;

• the MoF is disseminating fiscal data on its web site; and

• the MoF is familiarizing itself with the new analytical framework for compiling GFS.

1.1 Professionalism

1.1.1 Statistics are produced on an impartial basis

Although the impartial compilation and dissemination of GFS are not supported by specific laws, there is no evidence that such data are not compiled on an impartial basis. Culture of professionalism is clearly recognized as essential to the credibility of statistical results in the internal provisions of MoF that establish functions, responsibilities, and rights of the compiling unit and in the principles of the Law on Civil Service. Also, the choice and tenure of the compiling unit’s head are based on independent process. Thus, the possibility for interference is highly limited.

Efforts are made to promote professionalism by sending staff to training courses abroad and by contracting experts to provide on-the-job training. Also, professionalism is fostered by analytical work, publication of methodological papers, and organization of lectures and seminars. Research and analysis are encouraged, and the result of these academic activities are published in the Journal of Finance Accounting Audit of the MoF. More importantly, professionalism is a key factor in the recruitment and promotion of staff, as envisaged in the Law on Civil Service. Article 6 of this law states that there is equal access of citizens to any positions of civil service and their promotion is in accordance with their abilities and professional training.

1.1.2 Choices of sources and statistical techniques as well as decisions about dissemination are informed solely by statistical considerations

No evidence exists of political interference in the choice of data sources and statistical methods. Data sources are selected according to the usefulness and availability of the information to compile sound GFS. Also, changes to the analytical framework are made solely for statistical reasons. The implementation of the GFSM 2001 would require changes in the current legislation and practical procedures of the GFS compilation.

1.1.3 The appropriate statistical entity is entitled to comment on erroneous interpretation and misuse of statistics

The MoF is empowered to respond to misinterpretation and/or misuse of fiscal data. In case of misinterpretation or misuse, the MoF prepares and disseminates explanatory notes to help correct the mistakes/misuses of fiscal data.

1.2 Transparency

1.2.1 The terms and conditions under which statistics are collected, processed, and disseminated are available to the public

The public has unimpeded access to the Law on the Budget System of the Republic of Belarus and State Extrabudgetary Funds, and the broad legal framework for collection, compilation, and dissemination of the fiscal data.¹⁷ Comprehensive terms and conditions under which the MoF collects, compiles, and disseminates GFS are not available to the public.

1.2.2 Internal governmental access to statistics prior to their release is publicly identified

In principle, no agency outside of MoF has access to data prior to publication, however, this practice is not publicly announced (see page 124). Procedures for authorizing dissemination of GFS, deemed to be internal, are made public only in a limited manner. The minister of the MoF authorizes the release of GFS. Selected officials in the MoF obtain the fiscal data before other users as an internal procedure before public dissemination.

1.2.3 Products of statistical agencies/units are clearly identified as such

All fiscal data products that are disseminated, whether through hard copy publications or through the MoF’s web site, clearly identify the producing agencies and data sources.

1.2.4 Advanced notice is given of major changes in methodology, source data, and statistical techniques

No advance notice is given to the public about major changes in the methodology or other relevant changes that materially affect the GFS. Explanatory notes are only provided when the changes are introduced in publications.

1.3 Ethical standards

1.3.1 Guidelines for staff behavior are in place and are well known to the staff

The ethical standards guiding staff behavior are (a) the Law on Civil Service in the Republic of Belarus, and (b) the internal provisions about the functions and obligations of the MoF staff. The law requires civil servants to observe culture of communication and other norms of business ethics, not allow actions that negatively affect civil service, maintain confidentiality about work activities, and observe internal regulations of work procedures, especially with those related to confidential information. Staff in the MoF is generally aware of ethical provisions that regulate their work. All civil servants sign a contract on joining the civil service. The signed contract includes references to ethical requirements to perform the staff’s job and requires to be renewed. In the case of the MoF employees, the contract is renewed every three years. During the process of the contract’s renewal, the ethical standards are reviewed and taken into account for decisions on permanence and promotion. Article 22 states that civil servants are prohibited to use, for non official purposes, materials and technical, financial, and information resources, and state property. Article 56 stipulates penalties for nonobservance of ethical standards. Thus, a civil servant may face disciplinary, administrative, criminal, or other penalties for non execution or improper execution of his official responsibilities, for violation of labor discipline, or violation of restrictions associated to the civil service.

2.1 Concepts and definitions

2.1.1 The overall structure in terms of concepts and definitions follows internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or good practices

Concepts and definitions of the GFS reported to the IMF are generally consistent with the recommendations of the GFSM 1986. The authorities have not yet prepared a plan to migrate from the GFSM 1986 to GFSM 2001, but they expect to migrate once the decision to do so has been taken by the MoF’s management. The MoF has received technical assistance¹⁸ that has provided, among other recommendations, bridge tables between national source data and those specified in the GFSM 2001 for functional and economic classifications.

2.2 Scope

2.2.1 The scope is broadly consistent with internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or good practices

Although the MoF maintains records of and monitors all operations made by the general government units, the scopes of the compiled GFS¹⁹ and operations of the budget system²⁰ are incomplete. Both of them do not include all extrabudgetary operations such as innovations funds and extrabudgetary resources of the budgetary units. Thus, these scopes are not completely in line with the recommendations of GFS methodology. According to both the GFSM 1986 and GFSM 2001, statistics should be compiled for the general government and its subsectors, that is, consolidated central and local governments. Consolidated central government should include all budgetary and extrabudgetary operations. The authorities are considering expanding the coverage of the GFS and the budget system. For 2004, the budget includes the Social Protection Fund of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Republic of Belarus, and all earmarked funds as stipulated by the Law in the 2004 Budget of the Republic of Belarus.

The institutional structure of the consolidated general government in the Republic of Belarus is as follows:

• Republican Budget

  • Presidential Administration

  • Executive Branch

    • Council of ministers

    • Ministries

    • Earmarked budgetary funds

    • Social protection funds

  • Legislative Branch

    • Parliament

  • Judicial Branch

    • Supreme Court

    • Law Courts

• Extrabudgetary Funds

  • Innovations funds

  • Extrabudgetary resources of budgetary units

  • State extrabudgetary funds

• Local Governments (at regional, district, town, and rural levels)

The Law on the Budget System of the Republic of Belarus and State Extrabudgetary Funds states in Article 16 that the budget classification includes revenues, expenditures, and financing for the Republican, local budgets, state extrabudgetary and budgetary earmarked funds, and extrabudgetary resources of institutions and organizations supported by the budget.

The earmarked budgetary funds consist of the accumulation and use of financial resources that are part of the Republican and local budgets and used as earmarked (as defined in the draft of the budget code). There are six earmarked funds, (a) the Republican and Local Environmental Protection Funds; (b) the Republican and Local Highway Funds; (c) the State Employment Fund; (d) the Republican Energy Conservation Fund; (e) the Republican Fund for Support of Producer of Agricultural Goods and Food and Agrarian Science; and (f) the Local Targeted Budget-Financed Housing and Investment Funds.

The Social Protection Fund of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Republic of Belarus are included in the annual budget for 2004. The Social Protection Funds includes pensions funds and social insurance funds.

The innovations funds are based on compulsory deductions of the financial resources of the state-owned legal entities. They are ruled by the Provision on the procedure of formation and use of innovations funds resources, approved by the Resolution of Council of Ministers, No. 1346 of September 30, 2002, and the laws on annual budgets.

The extrabudgetary resources of budgetary units are those funds subordinated to government ministries, agencies, and organizations. Article 36 of the Law on the 2004 Budget provides a detailed list of ministries, committees, and organizations whose revenues from various activities, such as sale of assets, including real estate, and provision of paid services, are not included in the Republican budget.

The state extrabudgetary funds are covered by article 37 of the Law on the Budget System of the Republic of Belarus and State Extrabudgetary Funds. Those funds comprise the financial resources for designated purposes. The creation of state extrabudgetary funds, the financial resources for their creation, and the procedures of their use should be established by the President of the Republic of Belarus. Article 38 establishes that the resources of the state extrabudgetary funds are not part of the budgets, and article 39 states that the MoF should monitor these resources. In practice, no institution is classified under this category.

The local governments consist of six regional (oblast) and Minsk city governments, 118 districts (rayons), 110 rayon-level cities and towns, 25 district in cities and towns, 101 semi-urban centers, 1,441 rural councils, and 24,049 rural settlements.

The presentation of GFS compiled by MoF closely follows the Summary Table of Major Components in the GFSM 1986. In addition, the MoF disseminates tables for the consolidated central government that follow the format of tables A (government revenues and grants), B (expenditure by function), and C (economic classification of expenditures and lending minus repayments). There are tables for financing by type of debt holder, and by type of debt instrument (tables D and E). The tables on debt cover external and domestic debt. Also, tables on local governments (table L) are included in the annual report.

2.3 Classification/sectorization

2.3.1 Classification/sectorization systems used are broadly consistent with internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or good practices

The sectorization of the institutional coverage is not consistent with the international standards because there is not a definition of consolidated central government that includes all extrabudgetary accounts as established by the accepted international standards. Such recommendations call for statistics on (a) the consolidated central government including the Republican budget, social security schemes, and all extrabudgetary funds; (b) the consolidated general government, including the consolidated central government and local governments; and (c) the consolidated nonfinancial public sector, including the consolidated general government and the consolidated nonfinancial public corporations.

The budgetary classification established by the Order of the MoF of Budget Classification (order No. 378 of December 27, 1999) includes classification codes for revenue, expenditures, and domestic and external financing. Although the revenue and expenditure classifications of the compiled GFS are mostly in accordance with the recommendations of the GFSM 1986, the budgetary classification of expenditure, for practical reasons, needs to be identified in terms of units from which data are collected and by function. Thus, there are classifications of expenditures by institution and by function. The accounting records prepared by the Accounting and Reporting Unit in coordination with the Treasury provide an economic classification of expenditures. This economic classification is produced to be sent to the Parliament and for internal purposes, but it is not publicly disseminated.

Classification of revenues comprises the following categories: (a) current revenue; (b) capital revenue; and (c) nonreturnable revenue.²¹ Each of these categories is broken down into groups, each group in types, each type in items, each item in sections, and each section in subsections. The current revenue category includes (a) current tax revenue; (b) social security deductions; and (c) current nontax revenue, and compulsory payments. The capital revenue includes capital nontax revenues and compulsory payments, and the nonreturnable revenue includes current and capital nonreturnable receipts. This classification of revenue is compatible with the GFS classification of revenue. Apart from the inclusion of some fees in the tax category, it is a good basis for classification of data according to GFS concepts.

The expenditure classification by functions includes 22 functional categories. Each of them is broken down in sub-categories. Article 4 of the Law on Budget states that the expenditures are grouped for the distribution of budget appropriations by state agencies and organizations. Thus, the MoF prepares an expenditure classification by institution of approximately 143 public units. The list of public units includes public financial institution, such as the NBRB.

The domestic financing classification consists of the following categories: (a) resources received from the NBRB; (b) resources received from banks and other legal entities and individuals; (c) resources received from other sectors of state administration; (d) other sources of domestic financing; (e) proceeds from sale of property belonging to the state (an item related to the privatization process); (f) foreign exchange transactions; and (g) change in budget balances.

The external financing classification comprises as follows: (a) net credits of international organizations; (b) credits of foreign governments; and (c) other resources of external financing. These categories are broken down into use of credits and repayments.

2.4 Basis for recording

2.4.1 Market prices are used to value flows and stocks

All cash transactions reflect actual prices. In accordance with the GFSM 1986, debt is recorded at face value (that is, the amount to be repaid at the end of the contract), rather than market value. Also, the amounts denominated in foreign currency are converted to Belarusian rubel at the official exchange rates, as provided by the NBRB.

2.4.2 Recording is done on an accrual basis

Revenue and expenditures are recorded on a cash basis for compilation of fiscal data. Additionally, the Accounting and Reporting Unit of the Treasury maintain records of the expenditures in an “actual” basis (proxy for an accrual basis). All financing data, except arrears, are recorded on a cash basis, in line with the GFSM 1986.

2.4.3 Grossing/netting procedures are broadly consistent with internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or good practices

Most transactions are shown on a gross basis, in line with the GFSM 1986. Tax refunds are deducted from tax revenue, and financing is presented on a net basis.

3.1 Source data

3.1.1 Source data are obtained from comprehensive data collection programs that take into account country-specific conditions

The main data sources of GFS are the administrative needs for monitoring the budget execution and debt management. These records are maintained in the Treasury, including those recorded by the Accounting and Reporting Unit of the Treasury, for budget execution and domestic financing, and the Debt Management and Financial Analysis System²² (controlled by the Department of Finance of External Relations and External Debt) for external financing. The data sources cover detailed financial information on all budgetary units and extrabudgetary funds. These sources also provide information on some stocks and accounting information. The data sources in the MoF concerning the domestic and external debt are shared with the NBRB.

The Accounting and Reporting Unit has developed a series of reports and formats designed to collect financial information. These reports and formats may be used for the compilation of GFS under the GFSM 2001 analytical framework.

The data sources are kept under continuous review of the reporting process. These reviews are undertaken quarterly and annually by the Treasury. Changes in the presentation of financial information and budget execution are coordinated process as between the reporting and compiling units.

3.1.2 Source data reasonably approximate the definitions, scope, classifications, valuation, and time of recording required

The general budget classification for revenue, expenditure, and financing—the data sources—is broadly aligned with the GFSM 1986 definitions, scope, classifications, valuation, and time recording.

3.1.3 Source data are timely

Sources of financial information report data in a timely manner. A calendar for reporting is prepared by the Treasury. Data on the execution of Republican budget and extrabudgetary data are available with a 15 days lag after the reference month. Data for local government are available with a 14 days lag after the reference month.

3.2 Assessment of source data

3.2.1 Source data—including censuses, sample surveys and administrative records—are routinely assessed, for example, for coverage, sample error, response error, and nonsampling error; the results of the assessments are monitored and made available to guide statistical processes

Some verification procedures are in place to assess the accuracy of the budget execution data and some additional resources are planned. There is some of control of the administrative process developed by Treasury staff, such as review and revision of the data reported, and comparison of data reported with indicators prepared for this purpose in the Treasury. The BPFAFD is only a user of this information. The results of these reviews are monitored and made available to guide planning. Generally, there is an appropriate balance between accuracy and timeliness in the production of data. The BPFAFD publishes preliminary data as soon as completed. Preliminary estimates are replaced with final data after audited accounts have been produced. The status of the data used for each period is noted in the GFS publication.

3.3 Statistical techniques

3.3.1 Data compilation employs sound statistical techniques to deal with data sources

GFS, including data on local governments, are based on comprehensive information; however, procedures have not been established to allow for estimation of missing data. Budget execution reports are also based on comprehensive information.

3.3.2 Other statistical procedures (for example, data adjustments and transformations, and statistical analysis) employ sound statistical techniques

Generally accepted statistical methods are used to adjust GFS.

3.4 Assessment and validation of intermediate data and statistical outputs

3.4.1 Intermediate results are validated against other information where applicable

GFS for the central administration are based on the budget data. Intermediate budgetary data are validated against accounting data. Banking statements are daily reconciled against the data prepared in this regard in the MoF. Cross-checking with the NBRB on changes in deposits is performed every year. Also the main statistical output of GFS are validated against other macroeconomic statistics.

3.4.2 Statistical discrepancies in intermediate data are assessed and investigated

All discrepancies between GFS and intermediate budgetary data, and those between the intermediate budgetary data and accounting series, are investigated.

3.4.3 Statistical discrepancies and other potential indicators of problems in statistical outputs are investigated

Statistical discrepancies between the deficit/surplus and financing, and between financing and changes in gross debt are investigated and resolved to the extent possible.

3.5 Revision studies

3.5.1 Studies and analyses of revisions are carried out routinely and used internally to inform statistical processes (see also 4.3.3)

No revision studies and analyses are prepared.

4.1 Periodicity and timeliness

4.1.1 Periodicity follows dissemination standards

The Republic of Belarus has not adopted the recommendations of the SDDS, which establish that the annually general government aggregates, monthly central government aggregates, and quarterly central government debt should be disseminated. Preliminary statistics for general government operations are disseminated annually and final statistics, monthly. Statistics for consolidated budgetary operations are disseminated annually and monthly. However, periodicity of the data disseminated on the central and general government operations and central government debt exceed SDDS requirements. Work has been initiated for SDDS subscription by the MoF.

4.1.2 Timeliness follows dissemination standards

Annual/quarterly statistics for general government operations, monthly statistics for central government budgetary, and quarterly/monthly central government debt are released one month after the end of the reference period. The breakdowns of central government debt are for domestic debt: loans, state bonds, and others; and for external debt: debt of the government, debt guaranteed by the government, and others. Also, external debt by maturity, short-term, medium, and long-term debt are also provided.

4.2 Consistency

4.2.1 Statistics are consistent within the dataset

For GFS, the various statistical identities, such as deficit/surplus = financing, major aggregates, such as revenue, expenditure, and financing = sum of the components, major aggregates of financing = sum of the domestic and external components, and major aggregates of central budgetary government debt = sum of the components, are observed.

For budget execution data, major aggregates, such as revenue, expenditure, and financing = sum of the components are observed.

4.2.2 Statistics are consistent or reconcilable over a reasonable period of time

Fiscal data are consistent with expected trends and reflect discretionary changes, external shocks, and developments of economic activity. Breaks in the time series are identified and documented in the reports attached to the data disseminated through publications of the Minstat and through the fiscal reports posted on the MoF’s web site.

4.2.3 Statistics are consistent or reconcilable with those obtained through other data sources and/or statistical frameworks

The overall deficit/surplus and financing present discrepancies owing to a complementary period which are taken into account for the compilation of fiscal data. In this regard, Article 19 of the Law on the Budget System of the Republic of Belarus and State Extrabudgetary Funds states that the accounting period includes the fiscal year and a grace (complementary) period of one month following the end of the reference fiscal year. During this complementary period, the operations on obligations assumed in the execution of the budget of the preceding fiscal year are to be completed. Thus, operations above-the line include payments carried out in January of the following year that belong to the previous fiscal year, meanwhile operations below-the line include payments carried out during the fiscal year from January to December.

Budget execution data of the MoF are the main source for the national accounts estimates for the government sector compiled by the Minstat. There are discrepancies between national accounts and GFS due to differences in data sources and institutional coverage. The national accounts use an accrual basis and include all extrabudgetgary operations.

While efforts are made to reconcile the monetary statistics with the GFS through annual coordination meetings between the NBRB and MoF, improvements in this coordination are needed for a detailed reconciliation of the banking sector transactions in the GFS with the monetary and financial statistics. Currently, changes in the Republican budget and local government budgets are cross-checked with deposits in depositary institutions. Domestic debt is produced by Treasury and is reconciled with the NBRB.

The balance of payments statistics and GFS use the same data source produced by the Department of Finance of External Relations and External Debt in the MoF.

In the consolidation process of the general governments, transfers from the Republican budget to other levels of governments are fully reconciled.

4.3 Revision policy and practice

4.3.1 Revisions follow a regular and transparent schedule

GFS published for the first time are preliminary, and final data are published following revisions. Generally, revised data are published in the next publication. Revisions are completed when all institutions provide revised data. However, this revision policy is not publicized.

4.3.2 Preliminary and/or revised data are clearly identified

Preliminary and final data are adequately noted in publications. Both are disseminated with the same detail and through the same media.

4.3.3 Studies and analyses of revisions are made public (see also 3.5.1)

No revision studies and analyses are undertaken.

5.1 Data accessibility

5.1.1 Statistics are presented in a way that facilitates proper interpretation and meaningful comparisons (layout and clarity of text, tables, and charts)

Although disseminated aggregates of fiscal data (those that may be used by the MoF for subscription to the SDDS) permit identification and comparison of major aggregates and balancing items, detailed underlying data and time series are not presented. The reports in the MoF´s web site do not present the coverage and detail set out in the GFSM 1986, though data are available for extensions in coverage and detail. The presentation of fiscal data is made monthly on the MoF´s web site and in nominal terms. This report does not include charts and tables to facilitate analysis and commentaries on current period developments. GFS are not disseminated in the MoF´s publications or on its web site.

5.1.2 Dissemination media and format are adequate

The Republic of Belarus reports GFS to the IMF for publication in the Government Finance Statistics Yearbook and International Financial Statistics, but these data are not publicly disseminated by the MoF. The main statistical publication of the MoF is a table that will be used for SDDS subscription. The budget data are published by the Minstat in four publications, (a) the Finance of Republic of Belarus, which is published every five years by the Department of Statistics of Finance; (b) the Social Economic Situation in the Republic of Belarus, which is a monthly publication and includes some data analysis, but not publicly disseminated; (c) the Republic of Belarus in Figures, which is a quarterly and annual publication; and (d) the Statistical Yearbook of the Republic of Belarus.

5.1.3 Statistics are released on a preannounced schedule

Fiscal data are disseminated according to a preannounced calendar.

5.1.4 Statistics are made available to all users at the same time

Fiscal data are available to all users simultaneously.

5.1.5 Statistics not routinely disseminated are made available upon request

Nonpublished, nonconfidential, disaggregated data are made available upon request. The availability of nonpublished data and the terms and conditions under which such data are made available are not publicized.

5.2 Metadata accessibility

5.2.1 Documentation on concepts, scope, classifications, basis of recording, data sources, and statistical techniques is available, and differences from internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or good practices are annotated

The concepts, scope, classifications, basis of recording, data sources, and statistical methods for budget data are documented, but only part of this documentation is publicly available. The same documentation is not prepared for GFS. Neither bridge tables showing the links between source data and GFS nor differences from internationally accepted standards are prepared and annotated.

5.2.2 Levels of detail are adapted to the needs of the intended audience

GFS metadata are not accessible to the users and detailed budget metadata are not accessible to users.

5.3 Assistance to users

5.3.1 Contact points for each subject field are publicized

A contact person is identified and the name, email, and telephone number are included on the MoF’s web site. The MoF provides support in technical matters to users requesting assistance.

5.3.2 Catalogs of publications, documents, and other services, including information on any changes, are widely available

The MoF´s web site presents a list of available publications.

Table 4.

Republic of Belarus: Data Quality Assessment Framework (July 2003): Summary of Results for Government Finance Statistics

(Compiling Agency: Minstat)

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

Table 4.

Republic of Belarus: Data Quality Assessment Framework (July 2003): Summary of Results for Government Finance Statistics

(Compiling Agency: Minstat)

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

Element		NA	Assessment				Comments
			O	LO	LNO	NO
0.	Prerequisites of quality
0.1	Legal and institutional environment			X			Only an internal provision specifies responsibility for GFS collection and compilation. Dissemination is limited to the IMF, the Minstat, the NBRB, and other agencies. Budgetary data provided to the NBRB is not enough for reconciliation with monetary data.
0.2	Resources				X		Limited staff resources involved in GFS compilation. Training in the GFSM 2001 is needed. Computer resources require to be updated, and funding needs to be increased.
0.3	Relevance			X			User's feedback is not regularly obtained and research to identify new data requirements is not undertaken.
0.4	Other quality management		X
1.	Assurances of integrity
1.1	Professionalism		X
1.2	Transparency				X		Terms and conditions under which the MoF collects, compiles, and disseminates GFS are not available. Access to statistics prior to their release is not publicly identified. No advance notice is given to the public about major methodological changes.
1.3	Ethical standards		X
2.	Methodological soundness
2.1	Concepts and definitions			X			A plan to migrate to GFSM 2001 has not been developed.
2.2	Scope				X		Scopes of the compiled GFS and budget system operations are incomplete as. they do not include all extrabudgetary operations.
2.3	Classification/sectorization		X
2.4	Basis for recording		X
3.	Accuracy and reliability
3.1	Source data		X
3.2	Assessment of source data		X
3.3	Statistical techniques		X
3.4	Assessment and validation of intermediate data and statistical outputs		X
3.5	Revision studies					X	No studies and analysis of revisions are carried out.
4.	Serviceability
4.1	Periodicity and timeliness		X
4.2	Consistency			X			Comprehensive reconciliation with monetary data is not carried out.
4.3	Revision policy and practice			X			Revision policy and practice are not publicized.
5.	Accessibility
5.1	Data accessibility			X			Fiscal data are presented in very aggregated formats by the MoF, though by the Minstat disseminate more disaggregated fiscal data. Some fiscal data are disseminated on the MoFapos;s web site. No hardcopy publication is produced by the MoF.
5.2	Metadata accessibility				X		Metadata for fiscal data are prepared and some is available. Metadata for GFS are neither prepared nor disseminated.
5.3	Assistance to users		X

View Table

Table 4.

Republic of Belarus: Data Quality Assessment Framework (July 2003): Summary of Results for Government Finance Statistics

(Compiling Agency: Minstat)

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

Element		NA	Assessment				Comments
			O	LO	LNO	NO
0.	Prerequisites of quality
0.1	Legal and institutional environment			X			Only an internal provision specifies responsibility for GFS collection and compilation. Dissemination is limited to the IMF, the Minstat, the NBRB, and other agencies. Budgetary data provided to the NBRB is not enough for reconciliation with monetary data.
0.2	Resources				X		Limited staff resources involved in GFS compilation. Training in the GFSM 2001 is needed. Computer resources require to be updated, and funding needs to be increased.
0.3	Relevance			X			User's feedback is not regularly obtained and research to identify new data requirements is not undertaken.
0.4	Other quality management		X
1.	Assurances of integrity
1.1	Professionalism		X
1.2	Transparency				X		Terms and conditions under which the MoF collects, compiles, and disseminates GFS are not available. Access to statistics prior to their release is not publicly identified. No advance notice is given to the public about major methodological changes.
1.3	Ethical standards		X
2.	Methodological soundness
2.1	Concepts and definitions			X			A plan to migrate to GFSM 2001 has not been developed.
2.2	Scope				X		Scopes of the compiled GFS and budget system operations are incomplete as. they do not include all extrabudgetary operations.
2.3	Classification/sectorization		X
2.4	Basis for recording		X
3.	Accuracy and reliability
3.1	Source data		X
3.2	Assessment of source data		X
3.3	Statistical techniques		X
3.4	Assessment and validation of intermediate data and statistical outputs		X
3.5	Revision studies					X	No studies and analysis of revisions are carried out.
4.	Serviceability
4.1	Periodicity and timeliness		X
4.2	Consistency			X			Comprehensive reconciliation with monetary data is not carried out.
4.3	Revision policy and practice			X			Revision policy and practice are not publicized.
5.	Accessibility
5.1	Data accessibility			X			Fiscal data are presented in very aggregated formats by the MoF, though by the Minstat disseminate more disaggregated fiscal data. Some fiscal data are disseminated on the MoFapos;s web site. No hardcopy publication is produced by the MoF.
5.2	Metadata accessibility				X		Metadata for fiscal data are prepared and some is available. Metadata for GFS are neither prepared nor disseminated.
5.3	Assistance to users		X

0.1 Legal and institutional environment

0.1.1 The responsibility for collecting, processing, and disseminating the statistics is clearly specified

The NBRB is the sole official agency in charge of the compilation of monetary statistics in the Republic of Belarus. The NBRB statistical responsibilities are governed by the Banking Code of the Republic of Belarus (Banking Code) of October 2000 and the Statute of the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus of June 2001. In accordance with Article 26 of the Banking Code, the primary functions of the NBRB include the development and implementation, in coordination with the government of the Republic of Belarus, of the monetary policy of the Republic of Belarus. The responsibilities of the NBRB with regard to collecting, processing, and disseminating monetary statistics have not been specifically addressed in the Banking Code or the NBRB Statute. The proposed amendments to the Banking Code, however, which are expected to be enacted during the Spring 2004 session of the National Assembly,²³ impose on the NBRB the obligation to disseminate to the public aggregated statistical and analytical information on the banking system of the Republic of Belarus.

Within the NBRB, the responsibility for compiling monetary statistics rests with the Money and Credit Statistics Division (MCSD) of the Banking Statistics Department (BSD) of the NBRB. Specific responsibilities of this department and the division with regard to collecting, processing, and disseminating the statistics are regulated by internal instructions of the NBRB.

0.1.2 Data sharing and coordination among data-producing agencies are adequate

Statistical inputs for compiling monetary statistics are provided by the Accounting Department of the NBRB and by reporting banks, electronically, to the Computer Systems and Technology Department of the NBRB, where the initial data processing takes place according to established software programs. The processed statistical inputs are subsequently transferred electronically to the BSD for further processing and dissemination. The organization of information flows between departments of the NBRB for purposes of the compilation and dissemination of monetary statistics is regulated by NBRB internal instructions and is adequate.

Data sharing and coordination with other data producing agencies are based on the provisions of the Banking Code. Article 36 states that government agencies and the NBRB shall furnish each other, in a mutually agreed manner, statistical, analytical, and operational information that is required for proper performance of their functions. A written agreement between the NBRB and the Minstat regulates their statistical collaboration. In addition, in preparing and disseminating data with regard to possible subscription to the SDDS, the NBRB also coordinates with the MoF. There is smooth informal cooperation among data producing agencies at the working level, and formal meetings are held between the various agencies when necessary.

0.1.3 Individual reporters’ data are to be kept confidential and used for statistical purposes only

The confidentiality of individual reporters’ data is regulated by Article 122 of the Banking Code on bank secrecy. According to this article, information on accounts and deposits of bank clients is subject to bank secrecy and may not be disclosed. Staff members of the NBRB and other banks are required to observe bank secrecy, and ensure confidentiality of information acquired in performance of their duties.

Monetary statistics are produced mainly from balance sheet data provided by the commercial banks and other banking institutions in their monthly returns. Only the staff of the MCSD have access to data of individual banks before these data are aggregated and consolidated for publication.

0.1.4 Statistical reporting is ensured through legal mandate and/or measures to encourage response

The NBRB’s legal mandate with regard to statistical reporting is adequate. Article 34 of the Banking Code grants the NBRB the right to request from banks and nonbank credit and financial institutions information on all matters relating to their activity. In accordance with Article 37 of the Banking Code, banks and nonbank credit and financial institutions operating within the Republic of Belarus are obliged to furnish financial and economic information and documentation to the NBRB in the manner prescribed by the NBRB. Furthermore, on the basis of Article 120 of the Banking Code, banks are required to submit reports on their activity to the NBRB in the form, manner, and at the times prescribed by the NBRB.

0.2 Resources

0.2.1 Staff, facilities, computing resources, and financing are commensurate with statistical programs

The BSD has 14 professional staff members, five of which are directly involved in compiling monetary statistics in the MCSD, and three are dealing with editorial and dissemination activities at the departmental level. All MCSD staff have college degrees, either in economics or in economics and mathematics, with a capability in computer programming.

The professional qualifications of staff involved in producing monetary statistics are further developed through various training opportunities, including courses provided by the IMF at the Joint Vienna Institute and, in cooperation with the Central Bank of Russia, at the training center in Tula. All except one staff member of the MCSD have participated in those courses. The NBRB’s salary levels are the same as those of the top group of government agencies and favorably compare with those of the commercial banks (up to the mid-level of management). Therefore, excessive staff turnover is not a particular problem.

A recent law has brought the status of NBRB staff at the same level of other civil servants. This law resulted in a dramatic decrease in the managers’ ability to reward employees based on their performance. Whereas the bonus system in place, according to the previous staff regulation, allowed bonuses for up to 100 percent of the basic salary; the current threshold is now about 35 percent. The NBRB is experiencing serious difficulty to retain qualified employees, in particular junior professionals. There are clear indications that the NBRB ranks within the domestic banking sector in terms of salary and benefits provided to its employees. This causes a certain concern among NBRB’s managers.

While present staff resources appear to be adequate for compiling monetary statistics, there are some concerns because of the “mission creep,” whereby the MCSD’s responsibilities are expanded to include, in addition to monetary statistics produced in accordance with international standards, various other statistical data. At present, over 150 other statistical presentations and data sets are regularly produced by the MCSD. Most recently, this division has been charged with the task of developing methodology and compiling data on the gross value added in the banking sector. In light of the present workload, and taking into account the need to implement during 2004 the new Standardized Report Form that is being developed by the IMF, there is a need for a careful review by the management of the NBRB of present statistical activities performed by the MCSD with a view to either reducing the scope of these activities or increasing staff resources assigned to these activities.

Computer resources available for the preparation of monetary and financial statistics are adequate. Hardware is appropriately allocated to ensure effective data processing and database management. Each staff member has his/her own computer, is connected to the network, and units have access to the Internet. Software resources are adequate and periodically modernized. The reporting from banks is based on a specialized program PROCarry, and individual staff apply either Lotus 5 or Excel in their data work.

0.2.2 Measures to ensure efficient use of resources are implemented

Effective use of staff resources is promoted, among other measures, through annual individual performance assessment discussions with staff members. Statistical compilers employ modern data processing techniques. The process of collecting and processing statistics is computerized and highly automated, which permits the compilation of analytical accounts of the monetary authorities on a daily basis, and analytical accounts of deposit money banks and the monetary survey on a weekly basis. As mentioned under 0.2.1 above, there appears to be a need for a review of the rationale for producing the additional data sets by the MCSD, with a view to streamlining its statistical activities and finding additional efficiencies.

0.3 Relevance

0.3.1 The relevance and practical utility of existing statistics in meeting users’ needs are monitored

The NBRB conducts quarterly meetings on the directions of money and credit policy, in which official users of monetary statistics have an opportunity to provide feedback on the level of detail, periodicity, and timeliness of data. Although formal user surveys are not conducted, feedback from users is actively sought through providing a contact person and phone number in the NBRB’s Bulletin of Banking Statistics and on the NBRB’s web site (including email address of the contact person). Data presentation formats are occasionally modified in response to users’ requests.

0.4 Other quality management

0.4.1 Processes are in place to focus on quality

The NBRB recognizes that official statistics must have the confidence of their users. The NBRB management and senior staff concentrate on compliance with the key parameters of quality of statistical information such as integrity, methodological soundness, accuracy and reliability, serviceability, and accessibility as integral part of compiling monetary statistics.

Procedures are in place that verify information at each stage of the collection, processing, and dissemination of data. The Computer Systems and Technology Department carries out preliminary consistency checks on statistical inputs, and the BSD works with the Accounting Department, the Balance of Payments Department, and other NBRB departments and units to conduct data reconciliation. Financial statements of the NBRB and commercial banks are audited by external audit companies.

0.4.2 Processes are in place to monitor the quality of the statistical program

Quality control in the process of collecting, processing, and verifying data is performed through cross-checks and, in the event of discrepancies, through follow-ups by staff of the MCSD with the Accounting Department, the Balance of Payments Department, and the reporting banks. Validation procedures for assessing the plausibility or reasonableness of reported data are undertaken visually on a bank-by-bank basis. Particular care is taken to ensure consistency of time series, whereby, in the event of data revisions, data for the past periods are revised accordingly.

There is no other body outside the NBRB that provides regular guidance on the quality of monetary statistics, and on strategies for improving data production; however, recommendations from international organizations are actively sought and used to improve quality of monetary statistics. Suggestions on improvements of monetary data and their publication are provided ad-hoc by users of monetary statistics.

0.4.3 Processes are in place to deal with quality considerations in planning the statistical program

Quality issues are taken into account in the work program planning process. Improvements identified through ongoing monitoring, feedback from users, and recommendations from international organizations are incorporated in the work program for implementation whenever feasible. Because of the very high periodicity of monetary statistics, timeliness of data production is a matter of primary attention, with due regard, however, to accuracy/reliability and other dimensions of data quality. As the production of monetary data is to a great extent automated, improvements in data quality are primarily sought through improvements in the source data used for compiling monetary statistics. As a result, it has been possible to adhere to a strict publication schedule, without compromising the quality of the data. Although the statistics produced are aggregates, the data compilation system permits the direct tracing of all aggregates to individual accounts of the NBRB and to those of the commercial banks.

1.1 Professionalism

1.1.1 Statistics are produced on an impartial basis

The statutory provisions under which the NBRB compiles monetary statistics are adequate to support its impartiality in conducting these functions. In accordance with paragraph 22 of the NBRB Statute, governmental authorities have no right to interfere in the activities of the NBRB conducted within its authority. Staff involved in compiling monetary statistics enjoy professional independence, within usual limits imposed by the hierarchical administrative structure of the central bank. Professional competency plays a key role in recruitment and promotion policy in the BSD. Staff involved in producing monetary statistics is given opportunities to enhance their professionalism through participation in external courses and on-the-job training.

1.1.2 Choices of sources and statistical techniques as well as decisions about dissemination are informed solely by statistical considerations

The choice of sources and statistical methods is determined solely by statistical considerations. The NBRB staff take steps to ensure that data sources, instruments, and methodology used in the preparation of monetary statistics are consistent with those in other areas of macroeconomic statistics (national accounts, balance of payments, GFS, and international investment position).

1.1.3 The appropriate statistical entity is entitled to comment on erroneous interpretation and misuse of statistics

The NBRB’s spokesperson is authorized to provide comments on all matters referring to the NBRB’s activities, including its statistical functions. The BSD actively monitors the use and interpretation of monetary statistics in the financial press and mass media. Cases of data misinterpretation or misuse are brought to the attention of the NBRB’s spokesperson for further handling. The NBRB seeks to prevent misinterpretation or misuse of monetary statistics by providing the metadata and explanatory methodological notes on its web site and in its publications.

1.2 Transparency

1.2.1 The terms and conditions under which statistics are collected, processed, and disseminated are available to the public

The Banking Code and the NBRB Statute are publicly available and are posted (in Russian and in English) on the NBRB’s web site. A data release calendar and the description of methodology underlying monetary statistics compiled by the NBRB are published in the NBRB’s Bulletin of Banking Statistics and are also posted on the NBRB’s web site.

1.2.2 Internal governmental access to statistics prior to their release is publicly identified

No access is provided to statistical data prior to their release. A publicly available statement on this data dissemination policy is available on the NBRB’s web site, as a part of monetary statistics metadata.

1.2.3 Products of statistical agencies/units are clearly identified as such

A note included in the Bulletin of Banking Statistics clearly identifies the BSD of the NBRB as the producer of data. Similar note is posted in the statistical section of the NBRB’s web site. The agreement on information sharing between the NBRB and the Minstat stipulates a mandatory procedure for referencing the data source when using data provided to the NBRB by the Minstat, and vice versa.

1.2.4 Advanced notice is given of major changes in methodology, source data, and statistical techniques

Advance notice is given in the Bulletin of Banking Statistics in cases of major changes in the methodology, including the introduction of new charts of accounts. Reasons for adjustments in time series data are explained in comments to corresponding tables in the Bulletin of Banking Statistics.

1.3 Ethical standards

1.3.1 Guidelines for staff behavior are in place and are well known to the staff

A Code of Professional Ethics of the Employee of the NBRB was introduced in April 2003. Each employee is required to know and follow this code. Copies of the code are easily available to the NBRB staff.

2.1 Concepts and definitions

2.1.1 The overall structure in terms of concepts and definitions follows internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or good practices

The analytical framework used for compiling monetary statistics reflects concepts and definitions that are, in general, consistent with the Monetary and Financial Statistics Manual (MFSM). The balance sheets of the NBRB and commercial banks, which underlie the monetary statistics, broadly follow international accounting standards.

The accounts of the central bank are compiled and disseminated on the basis of the monetary authorities concept, in which the central bank’s balance sheet data are augmented to include government positions with the IMF. This approach puts the NBRB’s data at par with those countries, in which central banks’ balance sheets include all positions with the IMF.

Major aggregates of the broad money survey compiled by the NBRB are as follows:

• net foreign assets of depository corporations, disaggregated into gross claims on and liabilities to nonresidents in convertible currencies and gross claims on and liabilities to nonresidents in nonconvertible currencies;

• net domestic credit, disaggregated into net credit to general government (further disaggregated into claims on and liabilities to central government in national and foreign currencies, and claims on and liabilities to local governments in national and foreign currencies), claims on public nonfinancial corporations, claims on private sector, and claims on nonbank financial institutions;

• other domestic assets (net), disaggregated into capital accounts and other assets (net); and

• broad money, disaggregated into currency outside banks, transferable deposits, time deposits, foreign currency deposits, and securities included in broad money in national and foreign currencies.