Technical Assistance Reports
2024
November 15, 2024
Libya: Technical Assistance Report-Redesign of Income Tax Forms
Description: METAC assisted the Libyan Tax Authority in reviewing tax forms to enhance taxpayer data collection. The proposed data set will significantly expand existing information, improving the completeness of taxpayer records and greatly aiding the risk assessment process.
November 14, 2024
Pakistan: Technical Assistance Report-Improving Budget Practices
Description: Pakistan’s tight fiscal situation will require strong control over the budget in coming years. This report provides recommendations on steps to strengthen the country’s fiscal institutions to deliver a more credible budget, tighten its execution and prevent policy slippages. It also advises on how to digitalize the budget process to improve monitoring and reporting.
November 8, 2024
Colombia: Technical Assistance Report-Report of the Diagnostic Mission on Macro-relevant Climate Change Statistics (July 17–21, 2023)
Description: Colombia is deeply committed to climate change policies, as evidenced by Law N° 1931 (2018), which outlines actions to adapt to climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, aiming to decrease the vulnerability of the population and ecosystems while promoting a sustainable, low-carbon economy. The National Statistical office of the country, Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística (DANE), is dedicated to developing integrated environmental and economic data, and regularly compiles and disseminates selected accounts from the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA). However, to effectively implement climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, Colombia requires substantial amounts of granular, relevant, and reliable data for evidence-based planning. In this context, a mission took place from July 17-21, 2023, funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and hosted by DANE. During this mission, discussions with authorities focused on key priorities, identifying feasible developments such as enhancements to existing SEEA energy and emissions flow accounts, mineral and energy asset accounts, and the establishment of domestic carbon footprints.
November 8, 2024
Vietnam: Technical Assistance Report-Report on Residential Property Price Index Mission (April 22-26, 2024)
Description: At the request of the Government Statistics Office (GSO), a technical assistance mission was conducted between April 22–26, 2024 to assist with the ongoing development of a Residential Property Price Index (RPPI). This was the fourth mission to assist the GSO with developing an RPPI and continues the progress made during a virtual mission held in 2021. The mission was funded by the Data for Decisions (D4D) Fund. In the absence of suitable administrative data on property transactions, the GSO has assessed the potential for using both a survey of property and sellers and online property listings to underpin the compilation of an RPPI. Recent taxation developments might increase the potential for using administrative data on property transactions in the future. While previously, these taxation data on property transactions were in paper format and suffered from under-reporting of transaction prices, electronic reporting of property transactions is gradually being extended to national coverage and legal changes might reduce the incidence of under-reporting of prices.
November 8, 2024
Republic of Tajikistan: Technical Assistance Report-Public Investment Management Assessment with the Climate Module
Description: This report summarizes findings from a Public Investment Management Assessment (PIMA) and the Climate Module (C-PIMA) conducted for Tajikistan. The assessment evaluated the country's public investment management practices, including their climate sensitivity. Tajikistan performs well in certain areas but faces significant gaps in others. Parallel external and internally financed processes present recurring challenges across Tajikistan’s public investment management framework, limiting consistency and strategic alignment. Implementing a comprehensive framework for overseeing all projects, regardless of funding source, would significantly improve efficiency and climate responsiveness.
November 8, 2024
South Africa: Technical Assistance Report-Report on the Compilation of Energy and Air Emissions Accounts Mission (June 10-14, 2024)
Description: A technical assistance (TA) mission was undertaken with the Statistics South Africa in Pretoria, between June 10–14, 2024. The objective of the mission was to support Statistics South Africa and other relevant official agencies in the compilation of energy and air emissions accounts. The tasks completed included the review of the scope and coverage of existing data sources and accounts, the identification of the new sets of information to be collected, and the review of the available methodological options for the compilation of the updated energy and air emissions accounts. An action plan for the compilation and release of the specified accounts and indicators was developed and agreed with the authorities.
November 8, 2024
Colombia: Technical Assistance Report-Report on the Mineral Asset Accounts and Carbon Footprints Mission (May 20–24, 2024)
Description: A technical assistance (TA) mission was undertaken with the Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística (DANE), Colombia between May 20-24, 2024. The objective of the mission was to support DANE in the compilation of updated energy and air emissions accounts, mineral and energy monetary asset accounts, and domestic carbon footprints. The tasks completed included the review of the scope and coverage of existing data sources and accounts, the identification of the new sets of information to be collected, and the review of the available methodological options for the compilation of the updated energy and air emissions accounts, mineral and energy monetary asset accounts, and domestic carbon footprints. An action plan for the compilation and release of the specified accounts and indicators was developed and agreed with the authorities.
November 1, 2024
Grenada: Technical Assistance Report-Systemic Risk Monitoring
Description: The technical assistance aimed to enhance the capacity of the Grenada Authority for the Regulation of Financial Institutions (GARFIN) to monitor and assess systemic risk for non-bank financial institutions. The mission emphasized the need to clarify the macroprudential mandate and strengthen cooperation with the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) to effectively conduct macroprudential work. It suggested extending the existing Annual Report and Accounts to include key financial stability indicators and their assessments. Additionally, the mission highlighted the necessity of revising current reporting templates to better reflect systemic risk. The importance of a robust data management system was also underscored to facilitate advanced data queries and improve financial stability analysis. Enhanced staff capacity, particularly in macro-financial analysis and quantitative skills, was recommended to support these efforts. Regular communication of key financial stability risks through various channels, including GARFIN’s website and social media, was also advised to ensure transparency and stakeholder engagement.
November 1, 2024
India: Technical Assistance Report-Review and Evaluation of the Reserve Bank of India’s Stress Test Model Framework
Description: This report summarizes the content and findings of a technical assistance (TA) mission that was reviewing and evaluating the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)’s stress test model suite. The RBI’s model suite was found to be strong and well developed in numerous respects. The most noteworthy recommendations pertain to credit risk, market risk, and macro-financial scenario design. A detailed list of recommendations spanning all areas was left with the RBI.
November 1, 2024
Colombia: Technical Assistance Report-Scoping Mission to Develop Macroeconomic Forecasting Capacity at the Autonomous Committee for the Fiscal Rule (CARF)
Description: In response to a request from the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank, staff from the IMF´s Institute for Capacity Development (ICD) conducted diagnostic work and provided insights to enhance the Autonomous Committee for the Fiscal Rule (CARF)'s technical capacity. This report emphasizes a comprehensive action plan agreed with CARF to develop and institutionalize a new macroeconomic framework using ICD´s Comprehensive Adaptive Expectations Model, integrated with CARF's tools. Anticipated to boost CARF's ability in generating accurate macroeconomic projections and assessments, this macroeconomic framework supports Colombia's policy development and implementation. The plan includes a two-year timetable with virtual engagements and in-person missions, aiming to transfer knowledge and build capacity among CARF's economists.