Some 41 percent of CEOs view the global trade environment favorably, compared with just 11 percent who see it unfavorably.

Many of the write-in answers providing advice to the next U.S. president involved expanding trade or reducing protectionism. That is significant, because nine of 10 respondents indicate that the U.S. is an important or crucial market — with two-thirds calling it the most important market. China and Western Europe tied for second place, with 9 percent of CEOs calling those regions their most crucial.

When asked specifically about BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China), nearly two-thirds of CEOs view them as opportunities. Nearly half (47 percent) say the best way to maximize opportunities in a BRIC country is by establishing or expanding local marketing and sales activity. Onequarter plan to seek or expand local partnerships through 2009.

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