Kuwait: Analysis of Financial Markets
In 2012, the Kuwait banks are cleaning up their balance sheets as a response to the consequences of the financial crisis of 2008/09 that is most likely going to continue throughout 2012.
Kuwait: Investment Environment to Remain Challenging
According to the independent rating agency, Capital Standards, “There are a total of 100 investment companies operating in Kuwait, with 54 operating within the confines of the Islamic Sharia provisions and the rest operating as conventional investment companies.”
Kuwait: How to Enter Oil and Gas Sector
Kuwait’s oil and gas sector is one of the hardest to enter. Nonetheless, there are numerous ways for small and medium enterprises in the oil and gas services sector to capitalize on the opportunities in the sector. The companies can either enter into a JV, they can use an agency or service contract. Walid Al-Hashash, Chairman of AREF Energy explains, how the small and medium enterprises can enter Kuwait.
Doing Business in Kuwait
There are numerous ways to enter Kuwaiti market. KFIB is one of the options. The foreign investors can enter into a JV with a local partner, they can follow a standard procedure with the ministry of industry, choose an opportunity with the offset program or participate in a PPP.
Kuwait’s FDI: Amount of Kuwait Foreign Direct Investments
According to a report by NBK Capital, “basic level of FDI over the last decade—a mere $313 million a year on average—is by far the lowest in the GCC (GCC average is $44 billion per annum) and among the lowest in the wider MENA region.” Full report click here.
Investment in Kuwait | Kuwait’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
Interview with Sheikh Dr. Meshaal Jaber Al Ahmed Al Sabah, Chairman of Kuwait Foreign Investment Bureau (KFIB). Investors think of Kuwait as a hope for their projects, as an emerging market much like Iraq and Iran.
Kuwait Energy: Investments into the Future
“In Kuwait , we feel that we are part of the world. When there was a high demand for energy , and oil in particular, Kuwait and Kuwait Oil Company responded positively by producing the maximum in 2008. In regard to Kuwait diversification , the long term concern is there. Kuwait should seriously think about diversifying sources of income for the country.” says Sami Al-Rushaid, Chairman and Managing Director at Kuwait Oil Company
Kuwait on Track to Attract Investors to Invest in Kuwait
On December 27th 2008, after years of hearings and negotiations, the Kuwaiti parliament passed a law to slash taxes imposed on foreign corporations operating in Kuwait to 15 per cent, down from 55 per cent. “We are looking for serious investors that will be forthcoming with ideas or concept papers to establish successful offset ventures benefiting the contracted government body” Mazen Madooh – General Manager of National Offset Company .
Kuwait Foreign Direct Investment
“If you look at the World Bank’s Protecting Investors Index, you will see that Kuwait has ranked 27th globally, which is better than most OECD countries. Therefore, the government is undertaking all the appropriate measures in order restore confidence and attract investment companies.” – Ahmad Al-Haroun , Minister of Commerce and Industry
Kuwait Investment Partner
Interview with Mazen Madooh, General Manager of National Offset Company. National Offset Company is looking for serious investors that will be forthcoming with ideas or concept papers to establish successful offset ventures benefiting the contracted government body (like Ministry of Defence or Ministry or Electricity & Water), which we classify as direct offset, or partner with Kuwait Investment Partner be it Kuwait private sector partner or civil entities in an indirect offset project. Both must ultimately achieve the Kuwait offset Program Goals, stated earlier (transfer of technology, job creation, and training opportunities for Kuwaitis).