Think tanks like MIER need to not only think but also talk. Sharing our thoughts and findings with others has always been one of our cherished aims. In the wake of growing uncertainties and changing fortunes, MIER has taken upon itself the difficult task of macroeconomic monitoring and policy analysis. Through our monthly and quarterly publications, fortnightly newspaper column, seminars and conferences, we have been reaching out to a fairly wide audience. Needless to say, there are constraints of sorts and there are lines that one cannot cross. Nonetheless, MIER has been doing its best given the limited resources at its disposal. The Institute has developed a niche for itself through its quarterly Business Conditions and Consumer Sentiments Surveys. We are exploring new ways and means of making ourselves even more relevant. MIER is fortunate to have a highly dedicated Board of Trustees that is very supportive of the Institute and an enlightened Panel of Advisors that guides the Institute in the pursuit of excellence. We are eager to introduce new products. It is in this spirit that we have launched four industry-specific surveys which are conducted on a quarterly basis covering the property sector, automotive industry, retail trade businesses, and the tourist trade. We hope to add more to this list in the near future. Training has also become an important activity of the Institute. It not only generates income for the Institute, but also provides an additional reason for its existence. We have provided training in the field of economics to the researchers and practitioners of the newly emerging economies in the region and beyond, in addition to hosting interns both local and foreign. As an independent think tank and non-profit organisation that fends for itself, the Institute has to generate income through consultancies and commissioned works. The main drawback of this, however, is that the output becomes the property of the clients and as such it can rarely be shared. - Dr.Mohamed Ariff   Executive Director