Abstract
The ECE Statistical Division provides support to the ECE secretariat in the form of statistics needed for various recurring and special studies. This support includes advice on sources and statistical methodology. The Division is also engaged in the standardization of input–output tables.
Support by the Division comprises the preparation of statistical material, the assessment of its meaning and reliability and its adjustment for purposes of international comparisons.
One major difficulty encountered is the paucity of adequate information. Furthermore, available data are often not only incomplete but also not comparable between countries.
Direct comparison of the System of National Accounts (SNA) and the Material Product Balances (MPS) is complicated due to basic differences in the coverage of economic activity and of differences in valuation concepts.
The work of the secretariat has benefited considerably from studies undertaken by the Conference of European Statisticians, a reliance which will continue to prevail in the future.
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