IMF revises global growth forecasts upwards for 2010 . - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised its world growth forecasts from 3.1% to 3.9%, compared to perspectives outlined in October last year. In an update of the main forecasts for “Prospects for the World Economy” published on 26 January 2010, experts explained: “Economic recovery started more vigorously than predicted but its rhythm varies according to the different regions”. Expansion is even expected to continue next year given that the rise in global GDP is expected to reach 4.3%. In the US, the rise is expected to reach 2.7% this year and not the 1.5% predicted last autumn. Eurozone forecasts have also improved, even if the rate of growth is only expected to be 1% this year. It is, however, particularly the developing countries which are displaying more dynamism than predicted, with growth prospects of 6% on average, including 8.4% for Asia alone. The best prospects were in China (10%) and India (7.7%). A small number of advanced economies in Europe and several eastern and central European countries, as well as the Community of Independent States, remain behind however, with growth forecasts of 2% and 3.8% respectively. A high number of sub-Saharan African countries, which experienced a slight slowdown in activity in 2009 (+1.6% to the whole of the region), are well placed to recover in 2010 with growth forecast of 4.3% (I.L./transl.fl)