But Western executives here grumble that the extent of those reductions remains unclear.

The reformers need help from Western executives in developing an entrepreneurial class to attract private investment.

Western executives say it is easy to underestimate the expense of modernizing plants or building new ones.

"Omar was supposed to be the biggest structure," a Western executive said.

Some Western executives are hopeful that the Kremlin can eventually work its way out of the crisis.

Western executives making their first visits to Moscow may be shocked by the difficulties of living and doing business there.

Naturally, Western executives are flocking to China to do business.

Western executives are mostly watching and waiting to see what policies the government's campaign will bring.

No other Western executive has ever reached such a pivotal position in one of Japan's corporate giants.

Chinese leaders still seem to believe that Western executives should want to help China modernize first, and make money second.