IMF likely to raise global growth forecast-Germany

BERLIN, Apr 12 (Reuters) The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is likely to raise its 2006 forecast for global growth, German Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Mirow said on Wednesday.

''The forecast is tending towards another upwards revision rather than a downwards one,'' Mirow told reporters in Berlin.

Mirow added that the Washington-based fund would address economic concerns such as high oil prices, global imbalances and protectionism at its next meeting.

He added that Europe was against increasing pressure on China to bring greater flexibility to its exchange rate.

The IMF will hold its spring meeting on April 22-23 in Washington, which finance ministers from the G7 group of industrialised nations will also attend.

Reuters PV HT1617