Russia’s main interest in? the 13th International Economic Forum to? be held in? St. Petersburg this week is to? find out where the? world economy is heading, Deputy Economic Development Minister Sergei Belyakov said.
“This forum is to? be held in? Russia, but it is an? international event,” he said. “We are interested in? finding out which direction world economic thought is oriented toward, what are the? global trends and? whether we are tuned in? to them.”
This year, the? forum’s motto is “Finding resolve to? build the? new global economy.” It will address pressing issues affecting the? world today such as the? global crisis and? the means to? ensure economic recovery, RIA Novosti reported.
More than 5,000 participants are expected at? the 2013 forum, and? it will? be more high profile than the? one held last year, with top decision makers scheduled to participate, Economic Development Minister Andrei Belousov told Vesti 24 television channel.
He said German Chancellor Angela Merkel had already confirmed her presence at? the forum. Also, the? CEOs of? leading companies are expected to? attend.
Last year, the? forum’s focused on? effective leadership. More than 5,000 people attended the? event.
Eighty-four agreements worth a? total of? 360 billion rubles ($11 billion) were signed.