중동의 국부펀드와 한국의 투자유치 전략

The Islamic finance is relatively little known in Korea, but it has grown rapidly at a rate of more than 15% per year since 2000. Korea should begin focusing its attention on the Middle East, as the country relies heavily on this region as a source of energy supply. It is also an important market for the country’s export of industrial plants, in addition to being a market with very high growth potential. This paper reviewed earlier studies on the sovereign wealth funds, the investment trend of the sovereign wealth funds of the Middle East, and the need for attracting them into the country. The expected effects of this paper include diversification of investors in Korea, an increase of inward FDI, the reduction of deficits in trade with the Middle East, and creating foundational enhancement for the Korea’s level of economic maturity through privatization of public businesses and restructuring of large-sized businesses. Under such a need, the methods for drawing the funds will be as follows. First of all, a mid- and long-term roadmap for attracting investments should be established prior to laying the basis of investment. Concrete strategies required to achieve the goals for successful investment attraction include focusing on drawing in individual investment projects, fostering open-mindedness towards Islamic finance, establishment of a long-term, cooperative network with countries from the Middle East, the training of experts specializing in the Middle East region, overhaul of the relevant institutions and systems, and establishment of a proper PR strategy.