Conducted under the auspices and with participation of the Russian president, the forum annually gathers world leaders to discuss important economic issues facing Russia and the international community.
"We estimate that the total number of participants will be seven to eight thousand people, including over a thousand heads from major Russian and foreign companies, and we expect some 300 high-ranking foreign delegates," Elvira Nabiullina told a news conference at RIA Novosti.
She refused to elaborate on a report due to be delivered at the forum by president-elect Dmitry Medvedev, who will be inaugurated on May 7.
"Let's not ruin the intrigue. Why reveal what will be discussed at the forum, the details and proposals," the minister said.
But she said Russia's long-term development prospects will be a key issue, as well as, "decisions to be made in the near future," she added.
Nabiullina said the forum must become a platform for straight talking on Russia's advantages and shortcomings.
The agenda for the forum tentatively comprises two plenary sessions, 10 conferences, 13 round tables and a meeting with participants from the forum for young global leaders.
Traditional forum participants include presidents, prime ministers, heads of governments and ministers from a number of countries, as well as the international business elite, chief editors from the biggest global media publications and other news makers.
