Sohail Ziauddin is an accomplished and knowledgeable Operational Excellence Project Manager at Dow Chemicals/ Olefinverbund GmbH in Germany, with over 12 years of experience in fast-paced sales and procurement, particularly in metals and non-metals commodities trading. He holds a Dipl.-Ökonom and an MBA from Bergische Universität Wuppertal, Germany, which he earned in 2010.
He defended his Executive Doctorate in Business Administration (EDBA) in March 2025 on the theme “The impact of corruption on foreign direct investment and economic growth: a comparison between East Asia and South Asia”. His research is supervised by Professor Mehdi Nekhili, at Le Mans University, France.
Thesis Direction
Prof Nekhili Mehdi
Thesis Title
The impact of corruption on foreign direct investment and economic growth: a comparison between East Asia and South Asia
Abstract
This study seeks to evaluate the drivers of foreign direct investment (FDI) and its impact on economic growth, focusing on developing countries in South Asia and East Asia. It explores key factors influencing FDI, including gross domestic product (GDP), market capitalisation, human capital, trade openness, corporate tax rates, GDP per capita, the trade-to-GDP ratio, inflation rates, export rates, and political stability, all crucial for the economic growth of developing nations. Notably, this research addresses an often-overlooked gap: the levels of corruption that may impede the anticipated outcomes of FDI. The research examines the correlation between these factors and FDI, identifying potential growth indicators to consider prior to investment. Additionally, it investigates the role of corruption levels in shaping the relationship between FDI and economic growth. The research design spans a period of 22 years and will be divided into the southern and eastern regions of Asia. Employing quantitative methods—including inferential statistics, trend analysis, and regression models—this research aims to elucidate the relationships between dependent and independent variables. In accordance with the Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) model, economic growth and foreign direct investment are interrelated and influenced by various determinants. The findings suggest that policy initiatives should prioritise enhancing governance, increasing trade, transparency, and managing inflation to stimulate both economic growth and FDI. Furthermore, creating a favourable environment for investors—characterised by market capitalisation, trade openness, consistency, transparency, political stability, and rational tax policies—is essential. This study concludes that focusing solely on specific market indicators alone cannot attract FDI; a comprehensive approach and strategy should be implemented to draw in FDI for the betterment of the economy. This will ultimately enhance the overall economic indicators of the country, leading to greater economic stability. In highly corrupt environments, unofficial networks may prove more influential than ineffective formal institutions. By examining the correlations among corruption, FDI, and economic growth, and comparing findings between East and South Asia, this research contributes to the existing literature on the factors influencing foreign direct investment.