ST PETERSBURG, April 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In light of the recent natural disasters in Japan, the Organizing Committee of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum has decided to invite a business delegation from Japan to take part in SPIEF 2011 without requiring payment of the registration fee.

Participating in the full range of Forum's programme, heads of Japanese companies will be able to discuss the current situation in Japan and elaborate plans for the country's economic recovery.

The following world leaders have confirmed their participation in the Forum: Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodrigues Zapatero, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Finnish President Tarja Halonen, President of the Dominican Republic Leonel Antonio Fernandez Reyna, and Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

President of the People's Republic of China Hu Jintao has been invited to the Forum by Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev.

Taking into account the Forum participants' heightened interest in Russia and developing markets, the participating quote for Heads of corporations is increased.

Dmitry Medvedev, President of the Russian Federation, will give the opening address at the Forum's first plenary session on June 17, 2011. Convened under the program theme, "Emerging Leadership for a New Era" and discussions will be divided into three sub-pillars:

Securing Global Growth: an analysis of the driving forces, opportunities and risks that are determining the development of the global economy, steps to mitigate risks, and the establishment of institutional measures to stimulate economic growth.

Building Russia's Creative Capital: an analysis of steps being taken to modernize the Russian economy.

Expanding Technology Horizons: an analysis of the possibilities and limitations for technology development and how it continues to impact our lives.

Alongside political leaders, the heads of more than 250 of the world's largest companies and business leaders from a broad range of emerging market will take part in the Forum. In all, approximately 5,0000 leaders from government, business, science, media and civil society from more than 70 countries, will converge on St. Petersburg.

For the latest information on the Forum programme and participate or follow discussions on a range of issues visit our website, http://www.forumspb.com, or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

SOURCE St Petersburg Economic Forum