British Embassy in Belgrade
Year: 2014
This study aims to highlight the low quality of statistical data in Serbia, particularly at the industry sector level, in terms of their practical application in performance analysis, and thus in decision-making and providing recommendations. The research systematically analyzes key economic time series data, including related variables, and relying primarily on economic logic, points out key gaps and data quality issues. The focus is on comparing GDP by production and expenditure structure, using source data, deflators, and price time series; but also on a deeper study, as much as possible, of formal and informal knowledge about the methodologies used for GDP estimation, in order to explain the observed inconsistencies and illogicalities. Finally, the study has identified some key fundamental assumptions that are regularly made, which likely do not adequately reflect Serbia's reality. The report is primarily intended for economic policy makers in the Ministry of Finance, the Fiscal Council, as well as international financial institutions.
available in English only
Report
