PARTICIPATION OF VIETNAM

IN THE GENERAL DATA DISSEMINATION SYSTEM

1.    Introduction

In July 2002 Vietnam started participation in the General Data Dissemination System (GDDS) by the Commitment of the Government in the framework of the Comprehensive Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy (CPRGS). Participation in the GDDS is aimed at enhancing transparency and quality of statistical data. Recognizing use of GDDS as a framework for improvement of Vietnam Statistical System, the General Statistical Office actively participates in the System.

For effective participation in the GDDS, the Government of Vietnam had a decision mandating the GSO as a coordination agency of the Government for participation in the GDDS.  Decision of the Government is an important legal and administrative basis for the GSO to act as the coordinator in all activities related to implementation of the GDDS in Vietnam. In whole, 17 ministries and government agencies are involved in the GDDS, major implementers of the GDDS are Ministry of Finance, State Bank of Vietnam, Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, Ministry of Health and General Statistics Office as coordinator of activities.

2.    Activities

The GSO has conducted a Seminar on GDDS for introduction of GDDS and providing needed documents to the related ministries and agencies. The GSO prepared plan, timetable and instruction for implementation of works on GDDS for each ministry and Agency. All of these institutions involve in the GDDS with high responsibility.

The GSO has agreed with the IMF Office in Hanoi plan of implementation of the GDDS. In August 2003, the GSO and other institutions of Vietnam already sent to Statistics Division of IMF following metadata

-      Summary tables

           + Plans for improvement

           +  Data coverage, periodicity and timeliness

-      Detailed tables by Sector (Table A and B) including Comprehensive framework and data categories of

           + Real Sector

           + Fiscal Sector

           + Financial Sector

           + External Sector

           + Socio-demographic data

-     Data integrity and Access by the Public (Table C)

With great effort, the GSO could successfully implement the GDDS as agreed plan and timetable.

Statistical Division of the IMF has a press release in October 5, 2003 on active and effective participation of Vietnam in the GDDS.

The GSO also has set up plan of implementation of the GDDS for 2004. According to this plan, in August 2004 ministries and agencies sent to the Coordinating Agency (the GSO) metadata for compilation. The completed documents will be sent to the IMF in November 2004 as planned.

3.    Best practices

Firstly, attention of the Government to the GDDS gives convenient legal and administrative environment for participation in the GDDS. Recognizing the role of GDDS in improvement of national statistical system especially in enhancing transparency and quality of statistical data, the Government of Vietnam created good conditions for participation in GDDS.

Secondly, the coordinating Agency plays very important role by preparation of detailed plan, timetable, clear instruction for related institutions involving in GDDS. Propaganda of GDDS, considering GDDS as an important tool for improvement of national statistical system, and

Finally, close cooperation between General Statistics Office with IMF Statistical Division and IMF Office in Hanoi in whole process of participation in GDDS.