KUWAIT: Kuwait is poised to play a key role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), according to a global expert on supply chain geopolitics.

Thomas Tronet, co-director of the Centre for Geopolitical Studies on the Middle East, made the remarks during a recent international congress focused on the Middle East and the Islamic world.

Tronet emphasized Kuwait’s geographical significance. Located at the northern tip of the Gulf, the country is well-positioned to serve as a critical node in the BRI’s global logistics network. Its proximity to the China–Central Asia–West Asia Economic Corridor, he noted, makes it a vital gateway for East-West trade.

He aimed to fill a knowledge gap often found in French and Western discussions regarding the Gulf region. “Kuwait is frequently overlooked in France, despite its strategic importance,” Tronet said. He reminded the audience that Kuwait was historically known as the “Marseille of the Gulf” during the 19th century — a testament to its once-vibrant trading legacy. Today, he sees that the country is reviving that role through modern infrastructure projects and strategic partnerships, especially with China.

Thomas Tronet

Central to his discussion was Kuwait’s “omnibalancing” foreign policy strategy. According to Tronet, Kuwait balances its core security reliance on the United States with deepening economic ties to China. “The US remains Kuwait’s indispensable security guarantor,” he said, “but China has been its primary economic partner for over ten years,” noting that China’s policy of non-interference is also well received in the region.

Tronet highlighted several key developments under the BRI framework. “The main focus of Chinese investment is concentrated on the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port on Boubyan Island. A recent decision was made to accelerate this megaproject, which will make it one of the largest ports in the Gulf. With this development, Kuwait is returning to its roots as a trading center.”

He explained that the port, which is designed to handle over eight million containers upon completion forms part of a larger vision to transform northern Kuwait — including Subiya and Boubyan — into a logistical and economic hub. Chinese-backed transport corridors, such as a proposed link to Dammam and the Saudi Landbridge, are set to improve regional connectivity. These would offer alternative routes to bypass politically unstable zones like the Bab-el-Mandeb strait.

These infrastructure projects are closely linked to Kuwait’s national development strategy, known as Vision 2035. The plan seeks to diversify Kuwait’s oil-dependent economy and position the country as a regional cultural, commercial, and financial center, according to Tronet.

“Silk City is another megaproject central to Kuwait Vision 2035, projected to accommodate 700,000 residents,” he said adding that China has expressed strong interest in supporting its integration into the BRI, aligning with its global infrastructure investment goals. While acknowledging the challenges of building such a city from scratch, Tronet noted that similar regional projects like Saudi Arabia’s NEOM or the UAE’s Masdar City show that the ambition is yet still feasible. He clarified that Kuwait is also advancing in renewable energy, another pillar of Vision 2035. China recently secured a contract to construct a new solar plant within the Shagaya Renewable Energy Park, further supporting Kuwait’s push to diversify its energy portfolio.

Tronet noted that Kuwait’s solar potential makes it well-suited for such investments and that China’s global leadership in green energy supports mutual interests in sustainable development.

In closing, Tronet expressed appreciation for the opportunity to spotlight Kuwait. “I was delighted to help participants of the congress from France and the world get to know Kuwait better, a country I find fascinating,” he said. “The few Kuwaitis I have met in France are among the most incredible people I know.”

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah is set to embark on an official visit to France on Sunday, marking his first such visit to the European nation since assuming office. The visit underscores the deep-rooted ties between Kuwait and France and reflects the mutual desire of both nations’ leaderships to further enhance cooperation across various fields. Kuwaiti-French relations date back to August 28, 1961, when Paris designated its ambassador in Beirut as its envoy to Kuwait and established commercial representation in the Gulf state.

Diplomatic relations were formally established in 1967, paving the way for decades of growing partnership. Over the past seven decades, bilateral ties have witnessed consistent development, reaching a peak during the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. France, under the leadership of the late President François Mitterrand, strongly condemned the aggression, affirming Kuwait’s sovereignty as non-negotiable and dispatching 18,000 troops to join the international coalition for Kuwait’s liberation.

Throughout the years, senior leaders from both sides have exchanged visits to reinforce this robust partnership. The late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah visited France on multiple occasions, most notably in September 1989 to strengthen cooperation, and again in October 1990 and October 1991 to rally support and express gratitude for France’s firm stance during Kuwait’s occupation. In November 2006, he held talks in Paris with then-President Jacques Chirac, focusing on advancing bilateral ties.

In January 2017, the then First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah participated in the Paris-hosted international peace conference on the Middle East. More recently, on April 24, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot visited Kuwait and held discussions with Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya, resulting in the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding across a range of sectors.

The Kuwait Embassy in Paris also took part in the Gulf Vision Conference 2025, held under the patronage of French President Emmanuel Macron. The event aimed to deepen France’s engagement with GCC countries amid evolving global economic dynamics and shared aspirations for broader economic cooperation. France remains one of Kuwait’s major European partners and investors, particularly in energy, infrastructure, transport, health and cosmetics.

French companies represent nearly half of all European firms operating in Kuwait. Bilateral agreements have laid a strong foundation for cooperation, beginning with a taxation treaty signed in 1973 and a landmark investment protection agreement ratified in 1989. In June 2017, both sides signed a protocol for implementing tax treaty measures. France is also a leading exporter to Kuwait in sectors such as luxury goods, automotive, food, aviation, and personal care. On the defense front, France is considered a key strategic ally. In August 1992, Kuwait and France signed a comprehensive defense agreement that includes provisions for mutual defense against external threats, joint military exercises, and exchange of expertise. A further agreement was signed in December 2006 to reinforce defense cooperation. In the health sector, collaboration has been growing steadily. A delegation from Nice University recently visited Kuwait to explore avenues for medical cooperation and knowledge exchange. In April 2025, Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi signed a memorandum of understanding with France’s renowned Gustave Roussy Hospital.

Scientific and cultural collaboration also forms a cornerstone of bilateral relations. Several agreements have been signed to boost the number of Kuwaiti students in French universities, promote joint cultural initiatives, and facilitate academic and artistic exchange. The upcoming visit by His Highness the Amir is expected to further consolidate these historic ties and open new avenues for strategic cooperation between the two nations. — KUNA

KUWAIT: The Tourism Enterprises Company (TEC) said Saturday that it has suspended all marina berth transfer procedures, citing efforts to clamp down on illegal leasing and black-market trading of marina spaces.

The announcement came in response to the spread of unofficial advertisements promoting what TEC has called “illegal” rentals and sales of marina berths on social media and non-government websites. In a public statement, the company said such offers are a “clear violation of administrative regulations.” However, the timing of the announcement — and the lack of a clear roadmap forward — has left berth users frustrated and confused.

In a statement issued Saturday, TEC said that “all berth transfers have been suspended as of July 2024,” linking the freeze to efforts to revise the marina usage regulations. But this was the first public disclosure of the suspension known to Kuwait Times — made a year after it reportedly began and months after new regulations were officially announced in April 2025.

The company explained that the freeze was necessary to address a number of violations and negative practices, including subleasing, monopolizing berths to raise prices, and black-market reselling — all of which undermine fair access and transparency. “We confirm that the process of re-opening vacant berth rentals will begin as soon as existing violations are addressed and corrected, in line with a clear and transparent mechanism that will be announced in due course,” the company stated.

This commitment to eventually resuming berth allocation offers some reassurance — but the absence of a specific timeline has added to public frustration. “You closed transfers, and now the municipality is towing our boats. When will this be resolved?” one user posted on social media.

New marina regulations

In April 2025, TEC released a set of updated marina bylaws. The changes aim to improve transparency, enhance governance, and ensure equal opportunity in berth allocation.

According to the company, the regulations include new rules that require the name on the berth lease to match the boat’s ownership and insurance documents. However, there is an exception allowing first-degree relatives to be listed instead. Heirs are also permitted to transfer berths to others, and the new system introduces free secondary memberships for additional boats tied to a primary member. TEC will impose fines on users whose boat insurance expires without renewal, and berth rights may be revoked if dues remain unpaid for over 60 days after the grace period. In addition, new members are not allowed to transfer their berth to others until one year after joining. TEC said these reforms are meant to establish a more sustainable and accountable marina system that discourages unfair practices and protects user rights. It’s not clear if TEC is in the process of revising these updates.

Yacht Club renovation

TEC also announced that it is finalizing preparations to renovate the Yacht Club, located on Gulf Road next to Shaab Sea Club. The facility features a 343-berth marina, emergency public docking services, and a certified maintenance workshop that is open to both members and non-members. The club also includes a fuel station, a marine survey center, a large diwaniya, and a multi-purpose hall that can host exhibitions and events. The planned upgrade will follow international standards to improve safety, quality, and user experience.

Public demands clarity

Despite the company’s assurances, berth users continue to express frustration at the prolonged suspension and unclear rollout of the new allocation system. “We’re tired of waiting. We want to rent a berth and enjoy ourselves—everyone benefits. This is taking too long,” one commenter wrote.

“Why are you blocking people instead of encouraging them to invest in marine tourism?” another asked.

While TEC has promised to announce a new, transparent system once current violations are resolved, the delay has left many feeling shut out of a vital part of Kuwait’s sea culture. The company continues to urge the public not to engage with unofficial berth advertisements and to rely solely on approved company channels for updates.