India will make a strong pitch for new initiatives with the Asian countries to collectively respond to challenges thrown up by the global economic meltdown during the two day India-ASEAN and East Asia Summit beginning in Thailand.<br/><br/>In a statement before his departure for Bangkok, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said he will discuss with ASEAN leaders new initiatives to accelerate the process of engagement in areas such as greater economic integration. The other areas include agriculture, human resource development, education, science and technology and information and communications technology.<br/><br/>India sees enhance engagement with ASEAN as the core of New Delhi's look East policy. The Prime Minister expressed confidence at the conclusion of the India-ASEAN Trade in goods agreement earlier this year and described it as a major first step in its objective of creating an India-ASEAN Regional Trade and Investment Area. India-ASEAN trade has grown at a health rate and stood at about 48 billion US dollars last year. The East Asia summit will review cooperation in five key areas including energy, finance, avian flu and national disaster mitigation.<br/><br/>The Prime Minister will attend the 7th India-ASEAN Summit tomorrow and the 4th East Asia summit on 25th. Dr. Manmohan Singh will also have bilateral meetings with the leaders of China, Japan, Singapore, Cambodia, Viatnam and Thailand.<br/><br/>Our correspondent reports the Asian leaders will also discuss measures to further integrate their economies by bringing down trade and financial barriers and making it easier for professionals, business executives and skilled labour to work across the region.<br/>