• The Institute hired the Getúlio Vargas Foundation to develop an “informality index”. FGV is surveying a historical series corresponding to the “underground economy” in the period from 1995 to 2006 and which will serve as the basis for this index. The idea is that, at first, it will be published quarterly, which will allow permanent monitoring and analysis. On the other hand, in the future, we aim to seek a better detail of the index by region and economic segments. We intend to announce this new index in a joint event with FGV by the end of this year.

• The work carried out by Professor Raul Veloso, who assesses the current and future levels of public spending, had its first stage completed. At this time, a working group is committed to evaluating suggestions that can be discussed with the government with the objective of supporting discussions on the current level of tax burden.

• The fifth edition of ETCO magazine is ready and in print for distribution by the end of this month.

• From 1st. From October, we will have Mrs. Patrícia Blanco in our staff, who will occupy the position of Executive Director of the Institute. Patrícia was already collaborating with ETCO in some works and has an excellent knowledge of our actions and objectives.

• The Board of Directors, with the support of specialized consultants, has already started the process of selecting and choosing a new Executive President.