Buenas prácticas en materia de Cuentas Nacionales. La experiencia de México

Summary

Francisco Guillén Martín, Deputy General Director of National Accounts at INEGI, Mexico, presents an insightful session on best practices for national accounts. He emphasizes the importance of coordinated efforts within Mexico’s National Information System, the development of economic indicators, and timely data dissemination. The presentation highlights innovations like the incorporation of digital economy metrics, improvements in the input-output matrix, and collaboration with international bodies. Guillén discusses the challenges and successes in updating Mexico's national accounts, the vital role of public consultations, and the dissemination of data through various channels to engage users effectively.

Takeaways

• 😀 Francisco Guillén Martín, Deputy Director General of the National Accounts Department at INEGI, presents good practices in national accounting during a training session coordinated by the Executive Committee of the Conference of Statistics of the Americas (CEA CEPAL).
• 😀 The National Information System in Mexico ensures the quality and coordination of national statistical data by integrating multiple government entities, making it mandatory for state units to use these statistics for planning and decision-making.
• 😀 INEGI works closely with various experts and technical committees to establish scientifically sound methods for generating national accounts data that serve as a foundation for Mexico's strategic planning.
• 😀 The INEGI system guarantees the timely dissemination of national accounts information at 8:00 AM daily, ensuring that all sectors have access to the data at the same time for effective planning and analysis.
• 😀 INEGI offers user-specific services, providing expert users (referred to as 'miners') with in-depth data and simplified formats for general public users (referred to as 'tourists' or 'farmers') to make the data more accessible.
• 😀 Public consultations via forums and social media are essential tools for INEGI to gather feedback from users, helping them improve the way data is presented and ensuring it meets the public's needs.
• 😀 A key example of INEGI's progress is the base year change to 2013 for Mexico's national accounts, incorporating international recommendations and improving the accuracy of the country's economic statistics.
• 😀 The 2013 base year change reflects greater global integration, including the increased role of outsourcing, digital economy measurements, and internet sales as part of Mexico's GDP.
• 😀 INEGI's use of the Input-Output Matrix allows for simulations of how economic changes (such as increased consumption of goods and services) impact national production and employment, providing a comprehensive view of Mexico's economy.
• 😀 INEGI ensures clarity in data dissemination by creating infographics, videos, brochures, and interactive graphics to communicate complex national accounts information in an easily understandable manner.

Q & A

What is the role of INEGI in Mexico's national statistics?

INEGI, or the National Institute of Statistics and Geography of Mexico, is responsible for generating and disseminating national statistics. It plays a crucial role in providing data for government planning, decision-making, and strategic purposes across different sectors.

What does the National System of Statistical and Geographical Information (SNIIG) ensure?

The SNIIG ensures the quality of national information by coordinating various state units. It helps guarantee that statistical data meets required standards and is used for public sector decision-making. The system also ensures that the data is freely available to all users.

How does INEGI disseminate national statistical information?

INEGI disseminates national statistical information according to a predetermined schedule. Data is made available at 8 AM daily, and the timing is strictly adhered to for consistency. This ensures that all sectors, from government agencies to the public, have access to the data at the same time.

What are the key types of users of INEGI's data?

INEGI's data serves different types of users: 'miners' who are long-term experts; 'tourists' who need simple, clear visualizations; and 'journalists' who require concise data formats. The data is tailored to meet the varying needs and expertise levels of these groups.

What is the purpose of public consultations for INEGI?

Public consultations allow INEGI to gather feedback from users to understand their specific data needs. These consultations help improve the accuracy and relevance of the information provided and ensure that the products align with user requirements.

How often does INEGI update the base year for Mexico's National Accounts?

INEGI updates the base year for Mexico's National Accounts every five years. The most recent update was made to the 2013 base year, which reflected changes in global economic conditions and incorporated international recommendations.

What are some of the changes implemented with the 2013 base year update?

The 2013 base year update involved several structural changes, including the integration of the digital economy, such as e-commerce, and the measurement of information and communication technologies. It also included new methods for calculating economic variables, such as the inclusion of business dynamics.

What is the input-output matrix, and why is it important?

The input-output matrix is a comprehensive representation of the economy that shows how goods and services are produced and used within the economy. It helps analyze the interconnections between industries and is crucial for understanding economic flows and simulating the impact of different economic scenarios.

How does INEGI handle satellite accounts like those for housing and culture?

INEGI works closely with experts and users from various sectors, such as architects and engineers, to define the parameters of satellite accounts. For example, the housing satellite account includes both identifiable activities, like construction, and less direct activities, like land management. Similarly, the cultural satellite account is developed with guidance from UNESCO’s international standards.

What role does INEGI play in international statistical forums?

INEGI actively participates in national and international forums where it shares its experiences and receives feedback from other experts. This exchange of knowledge supports the development of statistical techniques and the creation of new methodologies, such as those for environmental accounting.