May 25, 2007 - The Balance of Payments Statistical Branch of the National Statistical Society of China (hereinafter referred to as the BOP Statistical Branch) was recently established in Beijing . The first leadership group and organizations were elected at the meeting. Mr. Li Dongrong, deputy administrator of the SAFE, was present and delivered a speech. Mr. Li Gang, secretary general of the National Statistical Society of China, and Mr. Tang Sining, head of the Financial Survey and Statistics Department of the PBOC, also attended the meeting and congratulated the BOP Statistical Branch on its establishment.
Li Dongrong pointed out that the statistics in China 's balance of payments are facing new challenges as the international economy has witnessed an expanding scope and the demands from macro-economic decision-making have been increasing. First, the volume of statistical data has increased rapidly and accordingly the statistical methods and approaches require improvement. The task of maintaining integrated, accurate, and timely statistics has become more arduous. Second, the position of the balance of payments has become more and more complex, and its connections with the world economy and other aspects of the national economy have become closer. It is more difficult to master the development rules of the balance of payments and to solve in-depth economic issues. Third, the functions and social effects of serving the economy and society through statistical analysis of the balance of payments have not been fully utilized. The laws and regulations relevant to the reporting, collection, and application of statistical data need to be improved. Fourth, the development of China 's economy requires a team that is proficient in both theory and practice, and dedicated to a statistical analysis of the balance of payments. Therefore, the BOP Statistical Branch was set up at an appropriate time. It will infuse new effective strength into the statistical work of the balance of payments, provide a platform for studying academic theory, enhance the way of thinking on statistical work, enrich the statistical approaches, and improve the theoretical level of the statistics.
Li Dongrong expressed hopes that the BOP Statistical Branch, serving as a stage, will create an academic atmosphere for research on the statistical analysis of the balance of payments, master the operations and change in the rules of the balance of payments through carrying out research on the economic phenomena and the internal reasons behind the statistical data, thus improving the intrinsic value of statistics in the balance of payments, providing a scientific basis for national macro-economic analysis and decision-making, and playing a consultative role in promoting an equilibrium in the balance of payments. He proposed several tasks for the work of the Branch, as follows: First, the Branch should always stick to the principles of seeking truth from facts and combining theory with practice, and achieve good results under the guidance of the principles. Second, the Branch should guarantee the positioning of its work and set a solid foundation for its development. Third, the Branch should strengthen analysis and research and make use of its advisory function in making policies on the national macro-economy and the balance of payments. Fourth, the Branch should establish service awareness and embody its own value in the development of market entities. Fifth, the Branch should carry on the spirit of unity and cooperation and establish a statistical analysis team with a solid theoretical foundation, rich experience in practice, and active ideas about innovation.
Ms. Han Hongmei, head of the BOP Statistical Branch, presented a report entitled "Establish a Platform and Utilize the Advantages, Promote the Vigorous Development of Statistical Work in the Balance of Payments." She put forward that based on the ideas of pioneering and the principles of being practical and innovative, the BOP Statistical Branch would devote itself to the establishment of a professional platform which is full of a spirit of innovation, has a good incentive mechanism, and is oriented to statistical practices in the balance of payments. The Branch must reach achievements in four respects, such as making clear the urgency of the times, building up its professional authority, improving the popularity of its business, and increasing its ability for acceptance and inclusion. In 2007, the work of the Branch shall focus on the central target of promoting a general equilibrium in the balance of payments, carry out a scientific view of development in an in-depth manner, boost all the basic work, improve the Branchs organizational construction and functions, and develop various timely activities such as theoretical investigation and research and business training.