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Peru, Kuwait to sign new trade, investment deals as FM visits

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Plans for agreements on economic cooperation, investment protection, food security

KUWAIT: Peru and Kuwait are in the process of negotiating two significant agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, Foreign Minister of Peru Elmer Schialer Salcedo told Kuwait Times in an exclusive interview Tuesday.

Salcedo arrived in Kuwait on an official visit commemorating the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries. Peru’s top diplomat met with His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah at Bayan Palace, where he delivered a message addressed to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah from Dina Ercilia Boluarte, President of Peru. In the message, the president “expressed willingness to strengthen political relations at the highest level,” said Salcedo.

According to Peruvian officials, discussions are underway for an agreement on technical and economic cooperation, as well as another focused on the promotion and protection of investments. Salcedo said the agreements are expected to provide a solid legal framework to enhance investment, trade, and the exchange of knowledge between the two countries, with a particular emphasis on advancing long-term food security initiatives.

The minister affirmed that his country has expressed its commitment to strengthening its bilateral relationship with Kuwait under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Meshal. “Peru sees the partnership as even more relevant today, where the two countries have cultivated a solid friendship, fostered by ongoing political dialogue, cultural exchanges, and the dynamic partnership is full of promise for future growth and cooperation,” he commented.

The minister described his visit as “the return,” saying that this milestone marks a renewed effort to deepen the strong bilateral ties between the two countries. He highlighted the shared characteristics of both countries, including complex geographies that pose challenges such as water scarcity, limited arable land, and the imperative for economic diversification.

Despite these obstacles, both Peru and Kuwait have adopted forward-looking policies to reduce reliance on oil revenues and have successfully pursued strategies to diversify international trade. As a result, both countries have positioned themselves as strategic hubs for global investment, playing an increasingly vital role in supporting international economic stability and contributing to global peace and security. The Peruvian minister has underscored several key achievements that have shaped the partnership, saying that among the most notable are the establishment of political dialogue through the Political Consultations Mechanism and the signing of agreements in the fields of culture and the arts.

“Peru also views its growing ties with other Gulf countries as reinforcing the strategic importance of its relationship with Kuwait. Looking ahead, a major milestone on the horizon is the planned discussion of a comprehensive roadmap aimed at strengthening future initiatives and enhancing mutual understanding between the two countries.”

On the economic front, the minister indicated that Peru is actively working with Kuwait to lay the groundwork for greater investment cooperation, stating that efforts are underway to establish a legal framework that will support joint goals in trade and investment, particularly through economic and technical collaboration.

Regarding cultural cooperation, he noted that the two countries reached an important milestone with the signing of the Cultural Cooperation Agreement in late 2023, pointing out that this agreement has already yielded significant results, including collaborative efforts to preserve the intangible heritage of Sadu weavers and the ancestral weaving techniques of Peru. Another key initiative is the Memorandum of Understanding between the National Libraries of both countries, reflecting the ongoing commitment to cultural exchange.

Peru and Kuwait are also focused on improving travel and tourism, he added that discussions are underway to enhance connectivity, with both countries working on mechanisms to facilitate easier travel. Peru hopes to see direct results in the short term, including the establishment of direct flights and tourism agreements.

On the other hand, the minister said that Peru is looking to strengthen its agricultural trade ties with Kuwait, with a focus on food security as a shared priority. Recognized globally for its agricultural exports, Peru offers unique opportunities in the sector, with high-quality products and robust logistical facilities for export, and both sides are optimistic about initiating negotiations to establish a framework that will address food security needs and enhance trade in the food sector.

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Crown Prince receives Egyptian Deputy PM

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KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received on Tuesday at Bayan Palace the Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Transport and Industry, Lieutenant General Kamel Abdulhadi Al-Wazir, and his accompanying delegation on the occasion of their official visit to the country. The meeting was attended by Kuwait’s Minister of Public Works Dr Noura Al-Mashaan and Egypt’s Ambassador to Kuwait Osama Shaltout.– KUNA photos

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Workshop discusses health competency framework

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KUWAIT: The Ministry of Health (MoH) on Monday inaugurated a regional workshop titled “Competency Framework”, aimed at reviewing the preliminary draft of a competency framework for public health professionals. The three-day workshop is organized by the Gulf Center for Disease Control in cooperation with the Gulf Health Council and the Kuwait Center for Disease Prevention and Control (KCDC).

In his opening remarks, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health at the Ministry, Dr Munther Al-Hasawi, welcomed a distinguished group of public health leaders and specialists from GCC countries, emphasizing the workshop’s importance in light of the increasing need to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the public health workforce. Al-Hasawi stressed the critical role of investing in human capital through training, capacity building, and well-structured competency frameworks grounded in scientific and practical methodologies. He noted that public health competency goes beyond technical expertise, encompassing key administrative and interpersonal skills such as leadership, teamwork, and effective communication.

“Competency in public health is the ability to deliver appropriate, effective services to communities while achieving optimal outcomes,” Al-Hasawi said. “It includes service delivery, resource management, community engagement, and cross-sectoral cooperation.” Chairing the workshop, Dr Mohammed Al-Saeedan, Head of the Emergency Department – Public Health at KCDC, told reporters that the session aims to discuss and refine the initial draft of the framework with input from regional decision-makers and experts. The goal, he said, is to develop a comprehensive guide to strengthen the capabilities of the health workforce across GCC countries.

“Competency frameworks contribute to improving public health, increasing life expectancy, reducing the overall health burden, and advancing sustainable development,” Al-Saeedan explained. “Healthy individuals are more productive and better able to contribute to society.” He emphasized the importance of continuously updating public health guidelines and competency standards to build professional readiness and effectively address evolving health challenges. “Guidelines serve as essential tools in disease prevention and health promotion, guiding individuals and communities in making informed health choices that enhance quality of life,” he said.

Al-Saeedan noted that global shifts and the rising prevalence of diseases demand heightened preparedness and response capabilities. “As the world increasingly prioritizes prevention over treatment, public health professionals must be equipped with the highest level of skill and knowledge to manage emergencies and implement effective interventions,” he added. The workshop is expected to result in key recommendations that will shape a unified GCC approach to public health competency development and workforce excellence. — KUNA

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The hidden drivers behind high prices in Kuwait

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Although Kuwait was ranked earlier this year as the second least expensive Gulf country in the 2025 World Cost of Living Index, many residents feel that the prices of certain goods or services remain disproportionately high compared to other countries. While essential services — such as electricity, water, and fuel — are heavily subsidized and therefore inexpensive, other aspects of life, including housing, entertainment, and branded products, often carry a much steeper cost.

Therefore, according to economic expert Dr. Amer Al Tamimi, the root of the issue lies not in government policy, but in people’s behavior — whether it’s business owners inflating prices or consumers adopting high-cost lifestyles. Each year the state allocates no less than KD 6 billion in subsidies for electricity, water, fuel, and even certain food items. “In fact, the government has made life remarkably affordable for citizens — perhaps even too affordable.” But while basic goods may be inexpensive, the same cannot be said for luxury and lifestyle products. According to Al Tamimi, the high standard of living and strong purchasing power among Kuwait’s resident’s fuels intense demand for premium items — from cars and watches to high-end services and entertainment.

“These items might be cheaper elsewhere, but in Kuwait, the appetite for luxury pushes prices higher,” he explained. Even mid-range categories, such as transportation and clothing, are considered expensive when compared to regional or global averages. Social behavior plays a significant role in shaping price dynamics. “Some individuals, despite earning modest incomes, make choices driven by appearances,” said Al Tamimi. “Someone earning KD 1,000 might buy a car with KD 500 monthly installments just to keep up an image.”

This desire to showcase wealth creates an artificial demand for high-end goods and services. As demand rises, so do prices, creating a feedback loop that affects everything from café menus to car dealerships. “There’s a culture of excessive consumption. People need to rethink their habits, as rational consumption can lead to lower prices overall,” he suggested. This culture of overspending is reflected in many lifestyle choices. “I am surprised to see people pay for coffee delivery when they can simply an easily make it at home,” said Altamimi.

While some spending habits may be avoidable, others — like housing — are fundamental and affect nearly everyone. Al Tamimi pointed to Kuwait’s real estate market as one of the most significant contributors to the high cost of living, citing the soaring price of land. “Land alone accounts for around 70 to 75 percent of the total cost of any building,” he explained. “This is very different from many other countries, where land is more affordable and makes up a smaller portion of overall costs.” This imbalance has driven up both property prices and rent, placing a heavy burden on households and businesses alike. For many residents, housing expenses consume a large share of their monthly income.

Another key issue, Al Tamimi argued, is the lack of competition in certain markets. “Some goods are effectively monopolized by one, two, or three importers,” he noted. This concentration of market power gives a small number of players the ability to set prices with little competitive pressure. To address this, he urged efforts to open up the market. “Breaking these monopolies and encouraging more entrepreneurs to enter different sectors could help,” he said. “We need to streamline business procedures and reduce bureaucratic hurdles that currently discourage new players. In many cases, we only have a handful of stores selling certain products. More competition will ultimately benefit the consumer.”

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