The International Monetary Fund has forecast that the world economy will grow at a faster than expected rate of 4.2% this year, though it said the recovery would be patchy.
The IMF said the emerging markets of Brazil, China and India would lead the rebound, as established economic powers in Europe and Japan continued to lag behind.
'The recovery has been stronger than expected thus far, as confidence has picked up among consumers and businesses as well as in financial markets,' the IMF said in a bi-annual report.
The IMF had predicted a 3.9% increase in global output in its last estimates in January.
China was forecast to grow 10% this year, India 8.8% and Brazil 5.5%.
But the report said the euro zone was heading for 1% growth this year, under the threat of a debt crisis.
France and Germany will enjoy 'moderate' growth but smaller economies such as Ireland, Greece, Portugal and Spain face a longer road out of recession due to big deficits, the IMF said.
