Abu Dhabi: Investment outflows from the GCC states have become more selective as a result of the global economic and financial downturn, with some investors seeking more active roles in their investments, bankers said at a conference.
"In the past, investments were made on a wholesale basis. They're now made on a selective basis," Nicholas Gilani, co-head of investment banking at National Bank of Abu Dhabi said.
While the global financial crisis has dampened appetites for overseas investments, large hydrocarbon resources ensure GCC states have the capital for investments, Gilani said.
GCC net foreign assets stand at $1.3 trillion (Dh4.77 trillion) in real figures, Christopher Garnett, president of conference host LatinFinance, said.
Gulf countries are eyeing high-yield opportunities in emerging markets, but "many in the GCC still like to invest their money into the neighbourhood," Gilani said.
