Leaders of 16 Asian countries will endorse policies to restore financial stability and economic growth at a weekend summit in Thailand, according to a draft declaration.

The annual East Asia summit that begins Friday in the Thai beach resort of Pattaya will also take a strong stand against trade protectionism, according to the draft obtained by Reuters on Thursday.

"They agree that the world is facing a global recession of unprecedented dimensions and called for policy responses that focus on restoring financial stability and economic growth and development," the draft says.

The leaders will stress the critical importance of "standing firm against protectionist and distortionary measures" and refrain from raising new trade barriers.

They will also call for a "prompt, ambitious and balanced conclusion" to the DOHA round of world trade talks.

The East Asia Summit groups the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations and their six "dialogue partners" -- China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand.

The annual summit among leaders of Asia's export-dependent economies hopes to build on a foundation laid at last week's Group of 20 summit in London, which agreed a $1.1 trillion blueprint to rescue the global economy.

The draft declaration commends the "fiscal and monetary stimulus measures" undertaken so far by East Asian Summit (EAS) members who resolve to take further action "as appropriate to sustain growth and jobs, reduce poverty, restore confidence and support medium-to-long term macroeconomic and financial stability".

They also agreed the stimulus package would not have the desired effect without a stable financial system.

The leaders will pledge to minimise "the trade-distorting impact of their fiscal stimulus measures and industry support policies" and will agree to work together with other countries to this end.

The draft also calls for:

* Strengthening growth by accelerating infrastructure improvement projects

* Supporting efforts to ensure adequate finance is available to business, and to keep trade and investment flowing in the region

* Strengthening the financial sector of EAS countries, including financial regulations.

Reuters