European University Institute Library

Government finance statistics manual 2014, International Monetary Fund

eng

no index present

non fiction

Government finance statistics manual 2014

908417775

International Monetary Fund

The international financial crisis in recent years, and the associated large fiscal deficits and rising debt levels in many countries, underscored the importance of reliable and timely statistics on the general government and public sectors. These events have shown the importance of internationally comparable data that allows detecting sources of vulnerability early and taking timely corrective measures. One focus of the IMF's work is on increasing the availability of key economic indicators. The IMF undertakes a range of activities for this purpose, including the IMF Statistics Department's work to prepare manuals describing methodologies that should be used to compile economic and financial statistics. In this regard, I am pleased to introduce the third edition of the Government Finance Statistics Manual. This Manual takes its place alongside the other manuals prepared by the Statistics Department, including the Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual, the Monetary and Financial Statistics Manual, Public Sector Debt Statistics: Guide for Compilers and Users, and the Quarterly National Accounts Manual. Like the other manuals, this Manual is harmonized with the System of National Accounts 2008. This Manual represents a major step forward in clarifying the standards for compiling and presenting fiscal statistics and strengthens the worldwide effort to improve public sector reporting and transparency. Government finance statistics are a basis for fiscal analysis, and they play a vital role in developing and monitoring sound fiscal programs and in conducting surveillance of economic policies. The Executive Board of the IMF approved the use of the government finance statistics framework as the standard for presenting the Fund's fiscal data. I therefore urge member countries to adopt the guidelines of the Manual as the basis for compiling and disseminating government finance statistics, and for reporting this information to the Fund.--, Provided by Publisher