More than 600 participants are expected to attend the 2013 Fortune Global Forum, which opens today in Chengdu.

President Xi Jinping will send his regards to the forum, and Premier Li Keqiang will hold a discussion session with some of the forum's participants in Beijing.

This year, the forum will focus on such issues as sustainable development, technological innovation, the global financial crisis and economic recovery.

In addition, Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli will deliver a keynote speech at the forum.

The 2013 Fortune Global Forum has reached full capacity, and this year is shaping up to be the strongest turnout in the event's history, said Andy Serwer, managing editor of Fortune.

Participants will include the CEOs of many Fortune Global 500 companies and other business leaders as well as former government officials, heads of state and economic experts. Many are drawn to the event by China's rising influence and rapid development.