Even if they were way technologically advanced over us, sentient species and civilizations must be so rare they would certainly be interested in us, if for no other reason than they are curious and predatory like we are. After all, we would have an alternative view of reality, and that is a useful thing to know, just in case they might have overlooked something we didn't.

We used to divide the world into Christians and savages, but by now we have realized that we could learn a lot by chatting with the Greeks, Romans, or even the Olmecs. They were just as smart then as we are now. The things we can learn from other cultures are not limited to science and engineering.

As far as resources are concerned, any species capable of interstellar travel and communications doesn't need to plunder their neighbors. They can synthesize anything they need from rocks, water and sunshine.