In order to ensure data compatibility and to create the basis for a common economic language, the Member States agreed on a need to harmonize statistical methods and definitions and to utilize international classifications in all their activities. They agreed on the necessity at a regional level for:
- A system of exchange of statistical data and economic information
- The compilation of data
- The realization of common projects
- Representation under a regional identity in the international for a
- A technical assistance program
- A joint program for the harmonization of statistical methods and definitions and the use of international classification
The Member States also agreed to establish within the State Institute of Statistics of Turkey the BSEC Coordination Centre for the Exchange of Statistical Data and Economic Information. It issued a compilation of statistics, namely Social and Economic Indicators of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Countries and Turkey’s Foreign Trade with the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Countries.
The Center also organized a Workshop on Industrial Statistics held in June 1998, aiming to lay the ground for the harmonization of statistics BSEC-wide. This initial work needs to be pursued. While the experts from the Member States displayed keen interest to proceed in this direction, inadequate trained personnel and lack of funds appear to be major obstacles in the transition to the international system.