A: Hey buddy, got any hot news for me?
B: Hmm, let's see... Russia just started their big economic meeting in St. Petersburg!
A: Really? Who's coming?
B: Business folks and government officials from around 140 countries!
A: Wow, that's a lot! Any idea who's attending most?
B: Yup! Lots of people from China, India, Southeast Asia, Middle East, and South America.
A: Neat! So they're learning about different products at booths, right?
B: Exactly! Russian firms and others are showcasing their stuff there.
A: But what about the G7 countries? Are they attending?
B: Not this year, looks like most Western nations won't be there due to Russia's actions in Ukraine.
A: Ah, that makes sense. So instead, they're talking about strengthening ties with non-Western countries, right?
B: You got it! They're stressing the importance of the BRICS group consisting of emerging and developing nations.
A: And what about Putin? When does he speak?
B: He's expected to deliver a speech on Friday, trying to counter the Western countries that are still sanctioning Russia.
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Russia kicked off its annual international economic forum on Wednesday in St. Petersburg.



The organizers say business leaders and government officials from 140 countries and territories will be taking part in the four-day event this year.



Many of the attendees of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum are from China, India and other countries in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and South America.



On Wednesday, crowds gathered at booths set up by Russian firms and those of other countries. They were briefed on the companies' products.



Leaders of the Group of Seven major economies have attended past forums. But delegates from most Western nations are expected to skip the event this year as Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine.



One session featured discussions on strengthening economic ties with non-Western countries. The attendees stressed the importance of the BRICS framework consisting of emerging and developing countries.



Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to deliver a speech on Friday in an apparent bid to counter Western nations that continue to impose sanctions on his country.