Bio
Dr. Ghassan F. Hanna is a distinguished researcher and academic specializing in international business, trade, and investment, with a particular focus on post-conflict economies. He holds a Ph.D. in Business Administration with a specialization in Management from Alliant International University. Dr. Hanna has served as a faculty member at DeVry University and Southern New Hampshire University, where he has contributed to the field through his research on cultural distance and foreign direct investment, as well as U.S.-Arab trade relations. His notable works include "The Impact of National Cultural Distance on Foreign Direct Investment in Iraq" and "U.S. a Arab Trade and Investment Relations (2010 a 2014): An Analytical View." As a recognized Fellow, he continues to engage in scholarly activities and peer review, furthering knowledge in management and international economics.
Educational Journey
Alliant International University
Ph.D. • Business Administration - Management
Experience
DeVry University
0 - 0Research
U.S. a Arab Trade and Investment Relations (2010 a 2014): An Analytical View
Trade and investment are vital to economic growth and markets’ integration. A study was conducted to assess U.S. - Arab trade and investment relations and the impact of Free Trade Agreements on the economic development in the Arab world. The qualitative research utilized publically available trade and investment data for years 2010 -2014. U.S. exports to the 22 Arab countries for Year 2014 amounted to $71.4 billion and accounted for 4.4% of total U.S. exports to the rest of the world which stood at $1.6 trillion. U.S. imports (mostly oil and gas) from the Arab countries stood at $88.2 billion and amounted to 3.7% of total U.S. imports from rest of the world. The six Gulf Cooperation Council countries accounted for 70.4% of total U.S. exports to Arab countries and 74.8% of its total imports. Free trade agreements had limited impact on economic cooperation between United States and Arab countries. All signatories were among U.S. small Arab trading partners.
The Impact of National Cultural Distance on Foreign Direct Investment in Iraq
Political and security risks coupled with cultural distance have profound effects on foreign investments by multi-national enterprises. A qualitative case study was conducted to investigate the impact of cultural distance on foreign direct investment in the heterogeneous and postconflict country of Iraq. Data were collected from interviews with 15 business and government subject matter experts, and from a review of publically available documents. The findings showed majority of foreign investment was from Arab countries and Iraq’s neighbors. There was limited investment by Western firms in Iraq, outside its oil and gas sector, and those taking place were mainly in the housing construction market. Kurdistan region attracted significant investment activities. Wholly-owned and joint ventures characterized mode of entry by MNEs. Substantial number of investment licenses issued did not materialize due to hurdles brought about by government agencies. Statistical data regarding the real dollar amount of foreign investment in Iraq are still lacking. The findings showed an important role played by Iraqi expatriates as facilitators of foreign investment. Implications to other post conflict and heterogeneous countries are presented and recommendations made.
