Training Program

Compilers and analysts of public sector debt statistics employed by Ministries/agencies responsible for official public sector debt.

Participants are expected to have a degree in economics or statistics; or equivalent experience.

This course covers the fundamentals needed to compile and disseminate comprehensive public sector debt statistics (PSDS) that are useful for policy- and decision-makers, as well as other users. The course introduces the conceptual statistical framework for PSDS-as presented in the Public Sector Debt Statistics: Guide for Compilers and Users 2011 (PSDSG 2011)-in the context of the government finance statistics (GFS) framework, which is harmonized with other macroeconomic statistical frameworks. Basic concepts, definitions, and classifications are covered, along with the principal accounting rules (including valuation and consolidation) that are relevant for PSDS compilation.
The course discusses the recommended instrument and institutional coverage for compiling comprehensive and internationally comparable PSDS. It also deals with the impact on PSDS of some debt-related issues such as debt assumption, debt forgiveness, on-lending, financial leases, and financial bailouts. Important PSDS compilation considerations-including what PSDS to compile and disseminate-and the IMF's guidelines and standards on disseminating PSDS are also covered.