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This paper discusses the work of the Luxembourg Group on Remittances, which aims to improve data collection and analysis of remittances. It highlights the increasing demand for remittance statistics, the weaknesses in official data, and the initiatives taken to clarify concepts and provide better guidance on data collection. The paper also presents a comprehensive approach to building a work program for improving data collection and dissemination.
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The work of the Luxembourg Group on Remittances Mushtaq Hussain Eurostat, Balance of Payments Unit
Introduction • Increasing demand for statistics on remittances • Major source of external financing in many developing countries • Officially recorded flows: 2000 : US$ 85 billion 2006: US$ 199 billion • Greater attention from policymakers at the highest levels in both developed and developing countries Conference of European Statisticians
Initiatives to improve data quality • Weaknesses in official data on remittances • unclear concepts • numerous small transactions • large variety of transmission channels • Initiatives taken by G8 Heads of State in 2004 • International statistical working group • clarify the concepts and definitions concerning remittances; and • provide better guidance on data collection Conference of European Statisticians
Better guidance on data collection • Luxembourg Group on Remittances • 14 countries and 5 international organisations • 3 meetings during June 2006 – June 2007 • Main Objectives • gather materials and good practices • illustrate problems and solutions to obtaining better data • describe possible transfer channels • elaborate possible data sources • analyses different frameworks to obtaining data • offer a compilation guide with a menu of possible methods for measuring remittances Conference of European Statisticians
Inventory of transfer channels Conference of European Statisticians
Data collection framework • International Transactions Reporting Systems (ITRS) • Direct reporting (MTOs) • Household surveys • Indirect methods (modelling) • The guide gives detailed description of strengths and weaknesses of different data collection systems • Does not recommend one particular system • Compilers have to decide which data sources to use in the circumstances of their country • Shows advantages in combining multiple sources Conference of European Statisticians
Comprehensive approach • An approach towards building a work programme, with consideration to reporting burden and compilation cost: • Step 1: Understanding the Current Situation • Step 2: Evaluation of Current Data Collection System • Step 3: Prioritization • Step 4: Improvement and Expansion of Data by Channel • The guide reviews: • good practices in disseminating data • importance of bilateral data to some users • the dissemination of metadata Conference of European Statisticians
Concluding remark Thank you for your attention Conference of European Statisticians