UNCTAD has just released the new edition of its Handbook of Statistics(1) in CD-ROM version. The publication provides a comprehensive collection of data relevant to the analysis of world trade, investment and development, for use by government officials, university and other research specialists, international organizations and others interested in these subjects.
Compared to traditional printed versions, the CD-ROM contains more data and provides improved analytical value due to the use of new technologies. Wherever figures are available, it presents full time series of data, going as far back as 1950. It also offers possibilities for simultaneous viewing of, for example, values, percentages and rankings, thus enabling easy reference and improved analytical insight.
The enhanced concept of the UNCTAD Handbook, which is part of the integrated presentation containing complementary formats -- a CD-ROM, the Internet and a hard copy -- is a result of UNCTAD’s efforts to keep pace with unfolding technological developments and with policy concerns of member countries. To mark the change, a new title has been selected for this publication, formerly known as the Handbook of International Trade and Development Statistics.
The CD-ROM version of the Handbook provides compatible and comparable data over long periods and includes time-series up to 1998-1999. It covers:
- International merchandise trade: values, trends, structure and trade zones by product category, by region and economic grouping; volume and terms of trade indices, as well as commodity price indicators;
- Export and import structure by major commodity groups, by origin and destination, including trade in services by sector and country;
- International financial data showing current accounts, financial flows, indebtedness and workers’ remittances; and selected indicators of development, such as GDP and social indicators.
For additional information and a free copy of the UNCTAD Handbook of Statistics on CD-ROM, please visit the DMFAS stand at the UNCTAD Exhibition Hall.
