The global economy recorded an impressive 3.9% growth in 2003, with the United States, Japan, India, China and many emerging market economies making the most impressive contribution to global growth. 1/5  Growth rates in China and India remained the envy of all countries in 2003.
Although the Chinese authorities attempted to slow down growth in their country, at growth rates of around 9%, this country continues to amaze. It is forecast that global growth in 2004 is likely to be in the region of 5%, slowing down somewhat in 2005 to 4,3%.