The 2010 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum has attracted more applicants than ever before, St. Petersburg Governor Valentina Matviyenko said.

She said this year the number of applicants, largely Russian and foreign economists, politicians and officials, is greater than last year and numbers increase every year.

The program of this year's forum, which will run from June 17-19, is divided into three areas: "Global Economy: Managing the Recovery", "Russia -Today and Tomorrow" and "Looking into the Future."

The focus will be modernization and participants are expected to discuss opportunities provided by the global economic crisis.

The forum will be opened by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, and French President Nikolas Sarkozy is expected to deliver a speech on the second day of talks.

Matviyenko also said heads of international energy companies are expected to meet to discuss the situation on the global gas market.

The talks on Russia will focus on the country's place in the multi-polar world, economic and budget policies, the labor market, immigration and education.

There will be discussions on Russia-U.S., Russia-EU, Russia-India and Russian-CIS business relations.

RIA Novosti is the forum's main information partner.

ST. PETERSBURG, May 19 (RIA Novosti)