Experts urge action on Kuwait's growing budget deficit
Businessman and economic expert Qais Al-Ghanim agreed that utilizing public debt to finance development projects is not inherently problematic, as long as the projects generate sufficient returns to allow the government to repay the debt. He emphasized the importance of conducting thorough studies to ensure that borrowed funds are allocated wisely. He also recommended that the State evaluate its assets and consider putting them under a specialized body to improve Kuwait's credibility with international financial institutions. Both Al-Ghanim and economic expert Dr. Salah Borsali stressed the need for Kuwait to diversify its economy to reduce reliance on oil. Borsali proposed using profits from the State's trillion-dollar sovereign fund to support local projects. While recognizing that borrowing is common even in strong economies like the United States, he stressed that borrowed funds should be invested in projects that strengthen Kuwait's economic and service infrastructure.
Al-Ghanim voiced concerns about the entry of foreign investments into Kuwaiti bank shares and the exit of private companies to neighboring countries. He attributed these trends to the absence of taxes in Kuwait's financial system and the lack of a favorable investment environment for the private sector. He also pointed out that banks are not providing sufficient loans for construction projects, and that private sector capital is often invested abroad due to higher returns. He suggested that raising government service fees could improve the budget, although he acknowledged that it would take time for the government to realize profits from its development projects. Borsali recommended opening the door to foreign labor in the private sector to support the execution of development projects and bolster the national economy. In general, these experts' recommendations emphasize the urgent need for Kuwait to address its financial challenges through strategic investments, a more diversified economy, and a more attractive business environment for both local and foreign investors.
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'Not only among Gulf countries - Kuwait is currently number one in the world, especially when it comes to amber,' he said. 'The first people who became passionate about amber were the Kuwaitis. Since the 1960s, Kuwaitis were the first to bring in amber; others followed. Kuwait is the amber capital of the world.' He added that while other Gulf countries might specialize in different materials - like mastik or faturan - and the Levant is known for stones like turquoise, agate and coral, Kuwait remains unrivaled in its amber legacy. 'Other countries look up to us when it comes to kahrab,' he said. At Hilal's shop, he revealed, one particular set of amber beads once reached a bidding price of KD 90,000 - and still wasn't sold because the owner found the offer unsatisfactory. This leads to another compelling question: Why is kahrab so expensive? 'The passion for the hobby increases the value of the bead,' Majed explained. 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