This year`s theme "Services industry: growth driver for economic competitiveness" is a reflection of keen sense of anticipation and foresight as the services sector is the most dynamic growth area in the global economy. One of the Institute`s accomplishments in 2005 is the finalization of its latest 5-year Research Agenda (2005-2009). It will also continue to be active in the study of economic integration and cooperation particularly in East Asia. There have been a growing number of conferences and studies on East Asian regional integration and PIDS is honored to be the lead agency in the Philippines for the East Asia Development Network and the Network of East Asian Think Tanks.