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Statistical Data and Metadata eXchange (SDMX)

The Data Division of ADB's Economic Research and Development Impact Department (ERDD) supports the strengthening of the national statistical systems of its developing member countries (DMCs) by promoting the adoption and implementation of the SDMX standard. It provides comprehensive statistical capacity-building initiatives, including training programs, workshops, and e-learning courses, tailored for national statistics offices and other data-producing agencies.

What is SDMX?

Statistical Data and Metadata eXchange (SDMX) is an international standard established to improve the efficiency, quality, and accessibility of statistical data. The SDMX framework provides guidance on standardizing and modernizing the collection, processing, and exchange of statistical data and metadata.

SDMX is driven by the need for consistency in interpreting and presenting statistical information. The standard provides a common language and a set of rules for describing, exchanging, and validating data and metadata across different statistical domains, such as national accounts, balance of payments, and foreign direct investments.

The SDMX global initiative is sponsored by eight major international organizations: the Bank for International Settlements, the European Central Bank, the International Labour Organization, the International Monetary Fund, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the Statistical Office of the European Union (Eurostat), the United Nations, and the World Bank. As well as collaborating on the SDMX framework itself, the sponsor organizations have instituted and maintained common SDMX technical and statistical standards and guidelines.

SDMX at the ADB
ADB, through the ERDD, has positioned itself to play a key role in the adoption of SDMX in its DMCs across Asia and the Pacific. ERDD has enhanced the capacity of DMCs and conducted SDMX training for staff from national statistics offices and other data-producing agencies. This includes the creation (in collaboration with development partners) of e-learning courses on SDMX foundation and key SDMX tools. More than 700 participants from over 65 countries around the world have successfully completed these online training courses.

Knowledge Products:

KI Special Supplement

Enhancing Data Management Through the Statistical Data and Metadata eXchange Standard

ADB Policy Brief

Making Data Easily Accessible: Leveraging Statistical Data and Metadata eXchange

SDMX API

Access datasets available in the KIDB through an API, adhering to the SDMX standard.

Online Training Courses:

SDMX Foundation Course

This e-Learning course discusses the rationale and benefits of SDMX and an overview on the SDMX Information Model, Content-Oriented Guidelines, SDMX Infrastructure, and IT Tools.

SDMX Tools Course

This e-Learning course provides an overview of SDMX tools for common scenarios and use cases, and delves into a detailed exploration of the features and practical demonstrations of the key SDMX tools.

Capacity Building:

UNSD 2024, Jakarta Workshop

The International Workshop on SDMX Data Dissemination and Reporting provided participants with hands-on experience in data modeling, mapping, validation, reporting, and dissemination, all within the framework of the SDMX standard.

UNSD 2020, ADB HQ Workshop

The Training Workshop on Economic Statistics SDMX raised awareness of International Merchandise Trade Statistics and National Accounts artefacts, including data structures, concepts, and code lists, with hands-on exercises on mapping and generating valid SDMX output.

Countries Supported for SDMX Implementation:

Thailand

Samoa

Bhutan

About Key Indicators

For more than 50 years, Key Indicators for Asia and the Pacific has presented the latest data on economic, financial, social, and environmental development issues across Asia and the Pacific. It continues to act as a vital resource of data and statistics for policymakers, development practitioners, government officials, researchers, and students around the world.

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