SINGAPORE, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Singapore Wednesday unveiled the theme for its chairmanship of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings in 2009 as "Sustaining Growth, Connecting the Region".

    The country's Ministry of Trade and Industry said in a statement that the theme reflects the continuing efforts of APEC to facilitate trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region, efforts which have gained even greater importance in the face of a challenging global economic environment.

    The statement said Singapore will bring together, for the very first time, APEC trade and finance senior officials, in February and July, to discuss fiscal and monetary measures to help businesses and workers tide over the economic crisis. Previously, APEC trade and finance senior officials have had separate meetings on their respective trade and finance agenda.

    APEC 2009 will also focus on accelerating regional economic integration by reducing trade and investment barriers, simplifying business regulations, improving logistics and transport networks, the statement said.

    Resisting protectionism and supporting the Doha Round will be another priority of this year's meeting.

    "Securing a global deal will not only help deliver new trade flows but also provide a firewall against protectionist pressures by locking in levels of access for trade and investment flows," said the statement.