In the morning, 16 July 2020, the 6th meeting of Working Group on International Merchandise Trade Statistics (WGIMTS6) was held virtually. This event had the participation of the ASEANstats, WGIMTS of statistical offices of ASEAN Member States (AMSs). On the side of Vietnam, attending the meeting were representatives of relevant units under the GSO and representatives of the Vietnam Customs.
The key objective of the WGIMTS aims to facilitate the development and harmonization of international merchandize trade statistics (IMTS), increase the timeliness and effectiveness of sharing and dissemination of IMTS, and better meet the requirements on information supporting the economic integration and development as stated in the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint. The WGIMTS shall meet at least once a year. At the national level, the WGIMTS members shall lead in the implementation of recommendations, mechanisms and activities and shall keep informed the ASEAN Community Statistical System/Sub-Committee on Planning and Investment (ACSS/SCPC) country focal point of the implementation progress in the WG.
The WGIMTS6 focused on the following contents: (1) Update on IMTS data; (2) IMTS Quality Report on IMTS Quality Questionnaire 2019-2020 and Mirror Analysis updates; (3) ASEAN Community System Code of Practice on Section B and C for WGIMTS; (4) ACSS data Dissemination Policy and Data Revision Policy; (5) IMTS Annual Work Plan (AWP), Other matters and Date – place of the next WGIMTS7; (6) The Outcomes of the WGIMTS6 and Closing.