The first workshop of the Task Force on statistical classifications for member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was held from 9-11 July 2003. It was jointly organized by the ASEAN Secretariat, the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP). The workshop focused on the Agricultural and Manufacturing sectors.

Over 20 statisticians from Statistical offices of ASEAN countries, ASEAN Secretariat, UNSD, UNESCAP and the Australian Bureau of Statistics participated in the workshop whose main objectives were to provide inputs into the revision of the key economic classifications, the International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC) and the Central Product Classification (CPC) so that the ASEAN countries' needs are reflected in updated versions of both of classifications as well as improve comparability of statistics among ASEAN countries.

Participants elected Ms Margarita Salutan of the National Statistical Coordination Board of the Philippines as Chairperson of the ASEAN Classification Task Force. The Task Force will work towards regional consistency in the treatment, structure and details of national classification across ASEAN countries, making it easier for governments to compare social and economic information with their neighbors. The summary of issues discussed at the meeting is below.

The conclusions of the workshop will be submitted to the Technical Subgroup of the International Economic and Social Classifications meeting which is scheduled to be held in September 2003.