India's minister of commerce and industry, the Philippines' secretary for tourism and Thailand's deputy prime minister and minister for finance tell Barbara Njau about the role FDI is playing in their plans to improve their countries' economic performance.

The Pacific islands that make up the country of Tonga may conjure up images of paradise, but the reality for the country's first elected prime minister is one of sluggish economic growth and a potential going to waste. Can his recovery plan – based on attracting FDI – get the country back on track?

South Korea's economy has flourished in the past few decades, thanks in no small part to the success of global conglomerates such as Kia, Hyundai and Samsung. But does the dominance of these companies stifle competition in the country, and make it vulnerable to a global downturn?

With rising wages eroding cost advantages for foreign firms operating in China, the city of Qingdao is seeking to diversify its economy – one of the most open to FDI in the country – with much of its growth centred around its marine economy.

South Korea has the unenviable task of setting itself up as an investment destination that can challenge nearby heavyweights China and Japan. However, the innovative use of free-trade agreements and pro-business policies are helping the country establish itself as a gateway into north-west Asia.