WEF to draw a record number to Davos this year

GENEVA, Jan 6 (AFP): The World Economic Forum said Tuesday that its annual gathering at Davos this month will draw a record number of participants and over 300 heads of state and government bigwigs.

The January 21-24 meeting of the rich and powerful at the posh Swiss ski resort comes amid a spate of global crises, including the worst post-Cold War stand-off between Russia and the West and renewed fears of financial turmoil.

More than 2,500 people are expected to turn up, WEF said in a statement.

"In addition to the 1,500 top business leaders from over 140 countries, more than 300 heads of state, heads of government and government members are also expected to participate," it said.