Kuwait delegation heads to China for project talks
Wastewater treatment, green energy and desertification on agenda of next phase of bilateral cooperation
KUWAIT: A high-level technical delegation from Kuwait's Ministry of Public Works is set to travel to China early next week to discuss the launch of a major wastewater treatment initiative. The upcoming visit was announced during a ministerial committee meeting chaired by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah at Bayan Palace on Wednesday. The meeting focused on tracking progress in implementing a series of agreements and memoranda of understanding signed between Kuwait and China.
According to Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs and committee rapporteur, Ambassador Sameeh Johar Hayat, the visiting delegation will work with Chinese counterparts as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation on infrastructure and environmental development between the two countries.
The meeting - the committee's 20th - also reviewed updates on several joint projects, including the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, renewable energy initiatives, green waste recycling systems, housing development and free economic zones.
'The Prime Minister directed the committee to intensify efforts to fulfill the aspirations of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and to push forward Kuwait's development goals through coordinated government action,' a statement said.
Ambassador Hayat also shared details of a recent eight-day visit by a Chinese government delegation focused on combating desertification. The delegation met with senior Kuwaiti officials and conducted field visits to areas in need of land rehabilitation. The outcome was a technical report outlining practical steps for joint action on land reclamation and ecosystem restoration.
The committee emphasized that work would continue in phases as part of Kuwait's national environmental strategy, in line with 'high-level directives' to expand green programs, protect natural resources and curb the encroachment of sand. Among those present at the meeting were Minister of Public Works Dr Noura Al-Mashaan, Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment Noura Al-Fassam, Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy Dr Sabeeh Al-Mukhaizeem, Acting Chief of the Prime Minister's Diwan Sheikh Khaled Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Sabah, and Head of the Fatwa and Legislation Department Counselor Salah Al-Majed. — KUNA
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Kuwait Times
an hour ago
- Kuwait Times
Trump targets tariff evasion, with eye on China
WASHINGTON: As the United States ramps up tariffs on major trading partners globally, President Donald Trump is also disrupting strategies that could be used—by Chinese companies or others—to circumvent them. Goods deemed to be 'transshipped,' or sent through a third country with lower export levies, will face an additional 40-percent duty under an incoming wave of Trump tariffs Thursday. The latest tranche of 'reciprocal' tariff hikes, taking aim at what Washington deems unfair trade practices, impacts dozens of economies from Taiwan to India. The transshipment rule does not name countries, but is expected to impact China significantly given its position as a manufacturing powerhouse. Washington likely wants to develop supply chains that are less reliant on China, analysts say, as tensions simmer between the world's two biggest economies and the US sounds the alarm on Beijing's excess industrial capacity. But 'it's a little more about the short-term effect of strengthening the tariff regime than it is about a decoupling strategy,' said Josh Lipsky, chair of international economics at the Atlantic Council. 'The point is to make countries worried about it and then have them err on the side of not doing it, because they know that Trump could then jack up the tariff rates higher again,' he added, referring to tariff evasion. The possibility of a sharply higher duty is a 'perpetual stick in the negotiations' with countries, said Richard Stern, a tax and budget expert at the conservative Heritage Foundation. He told AFP that expanding penalties across the globe takes the focus away from Beijing alone. Experts have noted that Vietnam was the biggest winner from supply chain diversions from China since the first Trump tariffs around 2018, when Washington and Beijing engaged in a trade war. And Brookings Institution senior fellow Robin Brooks pointed to signs this year of significant transshipments of Chinese goods. He noted in a June report that Chinese exports to certain Southeast Asian countries started surging 'anomalously' in early 2025 as Trump threatened widespread levies. While it is unclear if all these products end up in the United States, Brooks cast doubt on the likelihood that domestic demand in countries like Thailand and Vietnam rocketed right when Trump imposed duties. 'One purpose of the transshipment provisions is to force the development of supply chains that exclude Chinese inputs,' said William Reinsch, senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. 'The other purpose is to push back on Chinese overcapacity and force them to eat their own surpluses,' he added. But Washington's success in the latter goal depends on its ability to get other countries on board. 'The transshipment penalties are designed to encourage that,' Reinsch said. Lipsky added: 'The strategy that worked in the first Trump term, to try to offshore some Chinese manufacturing to other countries like Vietnam and Mexico, is going to be a much more difficult strategy to execute now.' Lipsky noted that Beijing could see the transshipment clause as one targeting China on trade, 'because it is.' 'The question is, how China takes that in the broader context of what had been a thawing relationship between the US and China over the past two months,' he added. While both countries temporarily lowered triple-digit tariffs on each other's exports, that truce expires August 12. The countries are in talks to potentially extend the de-escalation, although the final decision lies with Trump. It will be tough to draw a line defining product origins, analysts say. Customs fraud has been illegal for some time, but it remains unclear how Washington will view materials from China or elsewhere that have been significantly transformed. The burden lies with customs authorities to identify transshipment and assess the increased duties. 'That will be difficult, particularly in countries that have close relations with China and no particular incentive to help US Customs and Border Protection,' Reinsch added. – AFP
Kuwait Times
an hour ago
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait Fund finances basic education project in Nigeria
KFAED's Waleed Al-Bahar and Nigerian Minister Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite. KUWAIT: The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) has signed a loan agreement with the Federal Republic of Nigeria to help finance a project aimed at supporting education for out-of-school children in Kaduna State, the fund announced Tuesday. The agreement was signed by Acting Director General of the Kuwait Fund Waleed Al-Bahar and Nigeria's Minister of State for Finance Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite. In a post on its official account on platform X, the fund said the project seeks to improve education infrastructure by building and rehabilitating schools, expanding access to basic education—particularly for children in need such as girls, adolescents, and those with disabilities—enhancing teacher performance, and strengthening school management systems.—KUNA On the sidelines of the agreement, Al-Bahar also met with Nigeria's Minister of Housing and Rural Development Ahmed Dangiwa, Executive Secretary for the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children's Education Dr Mohammed Idris, and Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Zulum. The Kuwait Fund, established in 1961 with an initial capital of 50 million Kuwaiti dinars (approximately $163.6 million), was created to assist Arab countries. In 1974, it expanded its reach to include African nations as well. — KUNA
Arab Times
3 hours ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait Visa shift ignites optimism
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 6: The statements made by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah to the daily regarding the expansion of visit visas of various types were warmly welcomed by economic, security, commercial, and real estate sectors, who viewed them as a hopeful sign for revitalizing markets and overcoming the recession. Economic experts described these measures as a qualitative shift toward a more open policy, enhancing Kuwait's potential to reclaim its position on the Gulf's map of attractive destinations, especially amid intensifying regional competition for tourism and investment. Observers noted that the impact extends beyond the economic sphere to social and humanitarian aspects by easing psychological stress on residents and enabling families to reunite, which will naturally contribute to greater security, stability, and reduced crime rates. Security expert Major General Eng. Hamad Al-Surai'a confirmed that extending the visit period to three months, combined with new measures, most notably the availability of electronic visas through the 'Kuwait Visa' platform, will boost tourism and strengthen Kuwait's competitive position in the region. He stressed that offering visas online reduces opportunities for manipulation, as only applications that meet all requirements are accepted, improving the accuracy and speed of processing. Major General Al-Surai'a highlighted the professionalism and sophistication of security personnel at airports, noting that complaints are minimal, and emphasizing that the staff of the Ministry of Interior perform their duties efficiently while upholding the country's reputation. Meanwhile, former acting Director of the General Department of Immigration, Bader Al-Hammadi, said the facilities announced by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef regarding visit visas represent a qualitative shift toward greater tourism openness. He explained that the cancellation of the national carrier and educational qualification requirements, along with allowing multiple visa issuances per year and renewals for up to six months or more, will position Kuwait competitively on the Gulf tourism map, especially given the country's favorable weather during spring, fall, and mild winter seasons. Allowing expatriate workers to bring their families through family visit visas contributes to enhancing psychological stability and reducing negative behaviors such as harassment or loitering. Expanding these facilities will have a direct positive impact on the clothing, gifts, real estate, and food markets, thereby stimulating the local economy. Al-Hammadi highlighted the importance of promoting a culture of good reception at border crossings, noting that airport officers generally exhibit professionalism and respect. However, he warned that even rare instances of poor behavior can leave a negative impression on visitors, emphasizing that a smile is an essential part of Kuwait's image to arrivals. In the same context, real estate expert Qais Al-Ghanim said the government is currently undergoing a phase of reforms that are beginning to yield positive results on multiple levels, creating an encouraging environment for investors and visitors to come to Kuwait. He pointed out that expanding the range of facilities for family, business, and tourist visits will help revitalize all economic sectors, particularly the real estate sector, while also boosting retail and service activities. Al-Ghanim affirmed that this step primarily benefits expatriate workers by providing them with a greater sense of family connection and psychological stability. Al-Ghanim noted that concerns about the impact of increased visits on security are no longer justified, especially given the Ministry of Interior's great efforts, which have resulted in a marked decrease in crime rates and traffic violations. Furthermore, Director of the Three Pyramids Travel and Tourism Company Ahmed Hamed expects an official decision within days to cancel the requirement for visitors on visit visas to travel via the national carrier. He believes this step, along with extending family visit visas to three months, marks a major shift in facilitating visitor entry and boosting airport activity. Hamed highlighted that the decision will help stimulate various economic sectors, particularly real estate and rentals, due to increased demand for apartments and higher visitor spending, which will positively impact the national economy. He explained that granting visitors the freedom to choose their airline enhances travel flexibility and aligns with global trends. The 'visit visa' facilities are among the most successful measures to stimulate the tourism and real estate markets. Kuwait has real potential to become a prominent regional destination due to its moderate climate, stable security, and comprehensive services. In addition, economic expert and former head of the Kuwait Contracting Companies Union, Dr. Salah Bourseli, confirmed that the statements made by Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef to the Editor-in-Chief of Arab Times and Al-Seyassah newspapers Ahmed Al-Jarallah have been widely circulated in all social media platforms. He explained that the facilities accompanying business, family, and tourist visits must be complemented by important measures to boost tourism in Kuwait, such as developing recreational villages, parks, and gardens to keep pace with tourism activities in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, especially given Kuwait's historical reputation as the 'Pearl of the Gulf.' Dr. Bourseli emphasized the importance of opening the door for permanent work visas to stimulate the labor market in contracting companies, noting that the labor shortage has contributed to increased salaries for construction workers. Dr. Salah Bourseli said, 'Notifying applicants of any security restrictions by specifying the type of restriction through the Visa Kuwait platform facilitates the visit visa process. This allows expatriates to resolve security issues and then resubmit their visa applications online. This procedure also reduces congestion at immigration departments and eases the process for applicants'. He added that the platform eliminates bureaucracy and red tape, removes the need for intermediaries, and ensures that all transactions are conducted legally, preventing any manipulation.
