The Department of Economics at the College of Administration and Economics, University of Mosul, witnessed on Monday, July 27, 2026, the discussion of the Master’s thesis titled “The Impact of Free Zones in Attracting Foreign Direct Investment for a Sample of Developing Countries,” presented by the student Chra Haroon Younis, in Discussion Hall No. (2).

​The study aimed to analyze and measure the impact of free zones in attracting foreign direct investment by exploring the nature of the relationship between the presence of these zones and foreign investment flows, as well as evaluating the extent to which regulatory, legislative, and economic incentives provided by free zones contribute to enhancing the attractiveness of the investment environment in the studied countries. It also sought to distinguish between the short-term and long-term effects of free zones, relying on the estimation of two econometric models using the Panel ARDL methodology and the PMG approach, providing a more comprehensive and accurate analysis of the impact of these zones on foreign direct investment stock and flows.

​The study reached several conclusions, most notably the existence of a long-term equilibrium relationship between free zones and foreign direct investment, confirming the positive role of free zones in supporting the attraction of foreign investments, even if the scale of this impact is relatively limited. The results also highlighted the importance of expanding the establishment and development of free zones, alongside improving infrastructure, updating legislation, and enhancing trade openness as well as economic and political stability, thereby contributing to raising the attractiveness of the investment environment and increasing foreign direct investment flows.

​The discussion committee consisted of: ​Associate Professor Dr. Ruqaya Khaleef Hamad – College of Administration and Economics / University of Mosul – Chair,  ​Associate Professor Dr. Omar Hisham Sabah – College of Administration and Economics / University of Mosul – Member,  Associate Professor Dr. Bahram Mahmoud Saleh – University of Zakho – Member and  Professor Dr. Ibrahim Adeeb Ibrahim – College of Administration and Economics / University of Mosul – Member and Supervisor.