(Putin: Russian merchandise exports reached US $592 billion in 2022, the highest in nearly a decade)-- Russian President Putin made a speech at the 26th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. Putin said that Russian merchandise exports reached 592 billion US dollars in 2022, the highest level in nearly a decade. Instead of embarking on the road of self-isolation, Russia has developed relations with reliable and friendly countries, which are the driving forces of the world economy. Russia has been one of the world's largest food exporters since 2016. Russia will continue to actively promote global food security and export food to the countries most in need, including African countries. Putin said that Russia has always been actively involved in global economic activities. Russia has taken steps to simplify the legal procedures for foreign companies to open bank accounts in Russia. Strengthen local currency settlement with relevant regional cooperation organizations and countries.