BACKGROUND

Worldwide, the consumer price index (CPI) is published frequently, usually each month, so that the rate of consumer inflation can be closely monitored. The CPI is a high-profile statistic. It tends to receive a lot of publicity and its publication can make headline news. Therefore, there is a need to adopt an internationally approved methodology used for the compilation of the CPI in the MEFMI region. It is on this basis that MEFMI will conduct a virtual seminar on CPI compilation, drawing from the Consumer Price Index Manual: Concepts and Methods, 2004. The seminar will also provide an overview of the conceptual and theoretical issues that statistical offices should consider when making decisions on how to deal with the various problems in the compilation of a CPI.

OBJECTIVE

The main purpose of the seminar is to assist the producers of CPI, particularly in countries that are revising or setting up their CPIs. The seminar is also aimed at helping countries produce CPIs that are comparable to facilitate meaningful international comparisons.

CONTENT

The workshop will cover the following:

1. An introduction to consumer price index methodology;

2. Uses of consumer price indices;

3. Concepts and scope;

4. Expenditure weights and their sources;

5. Sampling;

6. Price collection; and

7. Adjusting for quality change.

TARGET GROUP
The seminar targets junior to mid-level level officials responsible for the compilation and analysis of C