The finance ministers of the world's largest developed and emerging economies have pledged to continue programmes designed to stimulate economic activity, and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the financial system to prevent future crises and support sustainable growth.

They also declared strong support for a single set of global accounting standards at their two-day meeting in London that started on Sept. 5.

While the G-20 countries will continue their stimulus plans, they also agreed on the need for a "transparent and credible process" for the withdrawal of those measures as recovery becomes definite.

In their communique, the finance ministers say that they will work with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Financial Stability Board (FSB) on "cooperative and coordinated exit strategies," and notes that the scale, timing and sequencing of actions will vary across countries and across the types of policy measures.

"Financial markets are stabilising and the global economy is improving, but we remain cautious about the outlook for growth and jobs, and are particularly concerned about the impact on many low income countries," say the finance ministers.

The G-20 nations say that for growth to happen, it is important that countries act to support lending, including dealing with impaired assets and conducting robust stress tests where necessary. The ministers say that they will promote employment through structural policies, active labour market policies, and training and education.