Statistics on Cultural Industries - International Trade Centre

Recognizing the need to set up, at an early date, key institutional arrangements, both criticalcomponents of the Plan of Cooperation and Action, to realize the goals as envisioned in the ParoInitiative;Desiring to conclude a Memorandum of Understanding on establishing the BIMISTEC CulturalIndustries Commission and the BIMSTEC Cultural Industries Observatory as mandated by the FirstBIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting on Culture hereby agree as follows:ARTICLE 1Establishment1.1 The Governments of Member States agree to establish a BIMSTEC Cultural IndustriesObservatory in Bhutan, hereinafter called the Observatory as provided for under thisMemorandum1.2 The Observatory shall be registered in Bhutan and shall enjoy privileges and immunitiesconsistent with its existing laws and those provided to comparable multilateral organizationsin the country.1.3 A high-level BIMSTEC Cultural Industries Commission, hereinafter called the Commissionshall be established as an oversight mechanism for the Observatory.ARTICLE 2Objectives of the Observatory2.1 Serve as a repository for information on cultural industries that can be accessed by MemberStates to enable them to take informed policy decisions.2.2 Support the Commission in fulfilling its mandate.ARTICLE 3Functions of the Observatory3.1 Carry out directives received from the BIMSTEC Culture Ministers including those containedin the Paro Initiative3.2 Establish baseline data in cultural industries3.3 Undertake research, clearing house functions and statistical analysis of data.3.4 Undertake needs assessment for sector development in each country.3.5 Develop indicators for impact of the activities on poverty reduction and communityvitalization.3.6 Provide a common e-commerce portal3.7 Assist Member States in developing cultural industry plans and policies3.8 Prepare a consolidated calendar of culture events in the BIMSTEC region107