KUWAIT: Inter-ministerial coordination in Kuwait has witnessed a marked rise, reflecting strategic reforms in the administration of public services and state institutions. This growing synergy among ministries and government entities has resulted in significant achievements across various vital sectors, laying the groundwork for new developmental and service-oriented horizons. Institutional integration has played a key role in propelling major national projects forward, supporting unified efforts in areas such as electricity conservation, combating illegal cryptocurrency mining, accelerating digital transformation and boosting infrastructure maintenance across the country.

A prime example of high-level coordination is the activation of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between Kuwait and China, particularly in strategic ventures such as Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port. These agreements highlight joint efforts between relevant state bodies to push forward key development initiatives. In line with Kuwait Vision 2035, the government has stepped up cooperation between the Ministries of Finance, Foreign Affairs, Public Works, and others to strengthen bilateral relations with China and fast-track the execution of major infrastructure projects.

The housing sector has also received considerable attention. In March, a Coordinating Committee was formed to oversee the provision of services for housing projects. The committee, which includes representatives from eight government bodies, is tasked with ensuring the completion of housing initiatives and aligning inter-agency efforts in the operation and maintenance of current and future residential areas. It also defines the entities responsible for receiving completed buildings in accordance with set timelines.

The committee includes members from the Ministries of Finance, Public Works, Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, and Communications, along with Kuwait Municipality, the Public Authority for Roads and Transportation (PART), the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources, and Kuwait Credit Bank. This reflects the government’s commitment to consolidating efforts in this critical sector.

Government efforts to promote electricity conservation have been reinforced by the formation of a dedicated committee comprising various ministries and agencies. This committee is developing a comprehensive awareness program to highlight the importance of conservation, both economically and environmentally. Government bodies have issued guidelines to reduce energy consumption, initiated national campaigns, partnered with the Ministry of Electricity, and deployed inspection teams to ensure compliance across facilities.

Earlier this month, the Higher Committee for Energy began reviewing the National Energy Transformation Document 2024, prepared by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS). The document, a key reference for national energy development, is under review by representatives from Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), the Public Authority for Housing Welfare, the Ministry of Finance, the Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects (KAPP), the Public Authority for Industry, the Environment Public Authority and Kuwait Municipality.

In a parallel move, joint coordination among state entities resulted in a successful nationwide campaign targeting illegal cryptocurrency mining. The Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, and the Public Authority for Industry, carried out the campaign in April, uncovering multiple non-compliant residences, seizing mining equipment, and initiating legal action against violators. The Public Prosecution has since launched investigations into 31 reports of illegal electricity usage tied to cryptocurrency mining in 59 homes, questioning 116 individuals involved.

As part of Kuwait’s digital transformation agenda, a large-scale coordination workshop was held in April, gathering representatives from 38 government bodies involved in the Sahel app. The workshop reviewed key performance indicators, noting that over 91 million services have been delivered via Sahel since its launch in September 2021, with the user base reaching 2.7 million. Government agencies continue to reengineer their services in line with digital journey standards, aiming to improve efficiency, streamline procedures, and enhance user experience through data-driven development.

Meanwhile, coordination between governors and various state authorities has been strengthened through regular meetings and field visits. These efforts aim to unify work mechanisms and enhance service delivery across governorates. Since the nationwide road maintenance initiative launched in December, the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Interior, and PART have maintained close collaboration to implement the plan according to schedule. Ongoing inspections are being carried out to ensure quality and efficiency, supporting a broader strategy to improve road networks, enhance safety, and accommodate urban expansion and rising transportation needs.

In efforts to boost government sector performance, the Civil Service Commission, in coordination with 13 government entities, introduced evening working hours in January. Following a series of meetings, the participating bodies established a framework to deliver services during both morning and evening shifts. The initiative aims to improve work environments, enhance productivity, and elevate the quality and speed of service delivery to citizens and residents. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Ensuring the highest levels of safety and security at Kuwait International Airport remains a strategic priority in line with the government’s broader efforts to upgrade national infrastructure and solidify the country’s standing as a regional aviation hub, Chairman of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Sheikh Humoud Mubarak Al-Jaber Al-Sabah said on Tuesday.

Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) following the fifth meeting of the National Committee for Aviation Security and Facilitation, Sheikh Humoud highlighted the importance of advancing security protocols and modernizing airport facilities. He affirmed the DGCA’s commitment to adopting international best practices in aviation security and facilitation, underlining the importance of continued coordination among all relevant stakeholders to enhance service quality and boost the efficiency of operational processes.

“This meeting reflects Kuwait’s adherence to global standards in aviation security and safety,” Sheikh Humoud stated. He noted that discussions covered compliance procedures in line with regulations and circulars issued by international aviation bodies, particularly the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). He further revealed that the committee reviewed several international agreements and treaties relevant to the aviation sector. — KUNA

These, he said, aim to bolster cooperation between local and international stakeholders, reinforce the legal and regulatory framework, and strengthen the security and safety of both passengers and airport infrastructure. – KUNA

KUWAIT: Kuwait plans to return to the global debt market this year and is expected to borrow between KD 3 to 6 billion during the current 2025/2026 fiscal year to finance development projects, a finance ministry official said on Monday. Director of Public Debt at the Finance Ministry Faisal Al-Muzaini said during a presentation of the new debt law that the funds will be borrowed from global and domestic markets to fund a number of development projects.

Kuwait issued a new debt law in March, putting a ceiling of KD 30 billion on public debt and maturity at 50 years. It will be the first time Kuwait returns to borrowing since 2017. Al-Muzaini however said the ratio of debt to gross domestic product (GDP) in Kuwait is minuscule at just 2.9 percent, whereas it is 60 to 70 percent in many countries. He said that the 2025-2030 five-year strategic borrowing plan will be determined by oil prices, global markets and risks associated with borrowing.

Al-Muzaini described the public debt law as one of the most important reform measures in the history of public finances for Kuwait. “This law sends a strong message of fiscal discipline and credibility to global markets. It is expected to contribute to enhancing Kuwait’s credit profile, drawing wider investor interest and advancing the country’s transition toward a diversified economy.”

Finance Ministry Undersecretary Aseel Al-Munaifi said the new debt law will stimulate the economic environment and promote foreign investments into Kuwait, besides accelerating economic growth and strengthening the banking system in Kuwait.

“The law will support the restructuring of government financing, reduce borrowing costs and strengthen Kuwait’s credit rating,” she said. “It reflects positively on the state’s borrowing capabilities under competitive conditions and helps build up financial reserves to meet commitments amid evolving economic circumstances.”

Al-Munaifi said a law regulating the issuance of sukuk, or Islamic bonds, is expected to be issued soon as it is being reviewed by authorities at the Council of Ministers. The debt law also allows the issuance of financial instruments and establishes a long-term legal framework for public borrowing.