The Finance Ministers from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) countries agreed on Thursday that promoting sustainable growth and financial stability is a top priority for the region. During APEC’s 19^th annual meeting in Moscow, senior finance officials issued a joint communiqué calling on member economies to implement a series of structural reforms. They include reducing high public deficits and debts, and maintaining financial stability as the financial crisis in the eurozone continues with several complex developments. The communiqué stated that at a time of high uncertainty and risk to the global economy, APEC economies should generate more jobs, increase domestic demand and adopt policies to help restore confidence. APEC economies also need to firmly adhere to open trade and investment, expand their markets and resist protectionism in all its forms.