The International Monetary Fund (IMF)'s prediction about Brazil's economic growth next year is pessimistic, Brazilian central bank governor said on Wednesday.

Henrique Meirelles, the central bank president, told a session of the Congress budget committee that Brazil is "stronger than ever" despite the impact of the international financial crisis.

Losses from the international financial system have already been recovered, and there are 600 billion U.S. dollars at disposal for recapitalization of Brazilian banks, Meirelles said.

The IMF has predicted Brazil's economy will only grow 3 percent in 2009.

The domestic market has been growing, over 2 million jobs had been created by October, and industrial production increased 6.8 percent in September, he said.

The Brazilian government has already injected US$49 billion into the domestic market, and another 91 billion reais (US$40 billion) were assured after the government adjusted the compulsory deposits regulations the sixth time since late September, said Meirelles.

Brazil's economy has expanded steadily and rapidly over the past few years. Its GDP grew 6.1 percent in the first seven months of 2008.

(Xinhua News Agency November 27, 2008)