Page 73 - Revista del Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo del INEI - Economía, Sociedad y Estadística N° 9

This document seeks to provide information about the - Use of web applications. The use of free or paid
state of affairs in Latin America, and to disseminate Internet applications has become widespread
some of the recommendations to address the COVID-19 very quickly, as a replacement for the face-to-face
pandemic discussed with the countries in relation to supply of some products and services , and due
4
the compilation statistics of national accounts, balance- to the development of online communications
of-payments and foreign trade, focusing on the aspects and sales. To the extent that surveys capture sales
related information sources, compilation methods and through different channels, it is assumed that this
the dissemination of press releases. substitution effect is being captured. However,
steps must be taken to verify with the companies
This is the first document on this subject, should be providing the virtual services the coverage of these
reviewed as experiences are shared and progress is sales and whether the surveys capture output linked
made on measurement proposals, so that some of the to online transactions.
proposals presented here can be adjusted or expanded
in order to better reflect reality.

A. INFORMATION SOURCES

The information sources have been divided into three
main groups, each with different problems: business
economic surveys; administrative records; and other
sources.

1. Business economic surveys

- Survey modality. Given the current restrictions on
interviewers’ movements and the impossibility of
carrying out surveys face-to-face, online surveys
are more likely to be completed by respondents.

- Non-responses. Non-responses to business surveys
are increasingly likely, which may be caused by
very different situations, such as: (i) the company
is operational, but has not responded, for various
reasons; (ii) the company has closed down
temporarily; or (iii) the company has been forced
to close down permanently.

- Change in the production basket. Some companies
have modified their production baskets, converting 2. Administrative records
their usual production line to products that are in
high demand as a result of the pandemic, such - Confidentiality of tax information. The availability
as masks, special clothing, rubbing alcohol and of information is severely limited by the fact that
respirators. It should be ascertained whether NSOs and central banks are unable to access tax,
economic surveys are capturing these production and social security and social insurance databases,
basket changes (which may require different because of existing legislation or long-standing
technology and, consequently, lead to changes in institutional issues.
production costs and functions).

4 For example, streaming services.
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