F. Integrated approach to economic statistics
7.21. Integrated approach to economic statistics. An integrated approach to economic statistics calls for the use of common concepts, definitions, data-collection and estimation methods, and data sources to produce consistent data across various statistical domains. The issues relevant to the implementation of an integrated approach in trade statistics are discussed in chapter XI of the Manual. In the context of this chapter, it should be stressed that in designing data collection (in particular surveys), an important objective is to achieve consistency with statistics of the different industries and sectors in order to allow and facilitate the merging and sharing of information. Consistency between different surveys is facilitated by the use of a common business register, statistical units and variables. For further information on the organization and standardization of surveys, see chapter IV.