In preparing the Manual, a number of points have been taken into account. First, the Code is being implemented on a voluntary basis. To promote an appreciation of the rationale for the Code, and an understanding of its fiscal transparency requirements, the Manual sets out in detail the principles and practices included in the Code. However, because of the complexity of fiscal management systems, the Manual does not provide comprehensive directions on how all the good practices are to be put in place. Instead, it contains numerous references and website addresses that can assist with the practical implementation of the Code. Second, fiscal transparency is only one aspect of good fiscal management, and care is needed to distinguish fiscal transparency from two other key aspects, namely the efficiency of fiscal policy, and the soundness of public finances. Third, diversity of institutional backgrounds and capacity constraints to improving fiscal management are clearly recognized. For this reason, the Code is not a best practice standard. Rather, it is a set of good practices that can be implemented by most countries over the medium to longer term.