Th is appendix describes the relationships between gov-
ernment fi nance statistics and national accounts, bal-
ance of payments and international investment position,
monetary and fi nancial statistics, and the System of
Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) Central
Framework. Th is appendix is intended to provide an
overview of the major similarities and diff erences between
government fi nance statistics and other major datasets, as
well as an indication of how to reconcile the data in cases
where there are diff erences in presentation. Th e text of this
appendix is not intended to take preference over the meth-
odological guidance provided elsewhere in this Manual.

Introduction.

A7.1 It is important for compilers and users of GFS
data to understand how GFS relate to the other macro-
economic datasets. More specifi cally, an understand-
ing of the linkages fosters consistency in the respective
datasets and supports whole-of-economy analysis.

A7.2 Th e institutional arrangements for compil-
ing and producing macroeconomic statistics diff er
from country to country. Th ese could range from a
single entity being responsible for the compilation
of source data and the fi nal GFS to several national
agencies being involved in the compilation of various
components of the data. Agencies such as ministries
of fi nance (MOFs), national statistics offi ces (NSOs),
central banks (CBs), and other government agencies
may be involved. Th e MOFs are oft en involved in
compiling budget data from accounting and other
administrative records to monitor implementation
of the government budget. NSOs are oft en respon-
sible for compiling, producing, and disseminating
macroeconomic statistics in line with the 2008 SNA^1

(^1) In this appendix, most references to the SNA concern the general
content of the volume rather than the citation of a specifi c por-
tion of the text. Th e expression “in the SNA” is used to refer to the
national accounts compiled in accordance with the 2008 SNA as a
body of thought.
principles. Th ey may use source data from MOFs
that are based on national classifi cations and make
necessary adjustments according to the require-
ment of the statistical guidelines. CBs are primarily
involved in compiling monetary and fi nancial data
to allow them to monitor fi nancial conditions and
the implementation of monetary policies. All these
data should be based on consistent methodological
guidance, and where multiple agencies are involved
in compiling macroeconomic data compilation, it is
essential that these national agencies coordinate ef-
forts to best ensure consistency in data outputs.^2
A7.3 A clear understanding of the linkages be-
tween datasets will assist countries in producing com-
parable and consistent statistics needed for economic
analysis and policy decisions. Th e primary purpose
of GFS is to provide a comprehensive conceptual and
statistical reporting framework for analyzing and
evaluating fi scal policy. In addition, detailed GFS also
provide a measurement of the impact of government
on other sectors of the economy. Th erefore, these fi s-
cal data serve as input for other datasets, while other
datasets may be used to derive and/or verify GFS data.
Harmonization in practice allows compilers to share
source data, where appropriate, and also fosters co-
herent developments in the source data systems.
A7.4 Th e remainder of this appendix provides an
overview of the important similarities and diff er-
ences between the GFS and other major datasets. It
describes the similarities related to coverage and ac-
counting rules and then provides a comparison of the
analytical framework of GFS with that of the national
accounts, balance of payments and international in-
vestment position, and the monetary and fi nancial
statistics. Last, the appendix describes how the GFS
(^2) See Dziobek and Tanase, Institutional Cooperation between Cen-
tral Banks and the Statistical Offi ces for Producing Macroeconomic
Statistics, IFC Bulletin No 28, August 2008.

GFS and Other Macroeconomic

Statistics

7

APPENDIX