The Gulf banking sector has witnessed an increase in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in recent years, as lenders continue to deal with the economic headwinds associated with the Covid-19 pandemic. At the outset of the pandemic in the first quarter of 2020 it was anticipated that the economic slowdown and the associated fall in oil prices would accelerate the M&A trend among banks in the region,…
To leverage its location and proximity to major Gulf markets, Kuwait plans to develop economic zones to attract investment, and support trade and industry clustering. While trade was temporarily disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, exports rebounded significantly in 2021. The Middle East currently accounts for a large portion of Kuwait’s external trade, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia being Kuwait’s…
In the first high-level meeting of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) since 2017, representatives from member countries met in Geneva in June 2022 for the 12th Ministerial Conference, where they signed a landmark series of agreements on food exports, illegal fishing, intellectual property (IP) rights for Covid-19 vaccines and Customs duties on electronic transactions. Food Exports & Illegal Fishing One…
In a year of global economic uncertainty fuelled by inflation, geopolitical crises and supply chain insecurity, the Middle East witnesseda second consecutive year of economic growth, with countries in the region investing in new technologies and projects that could herald greater integration in the years ahead. Whereas in October 2022 the World Economic Outlook by the IMF projected that global…
While small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have historically made a relatively small contribution to Kuwait’s GDP, policymakers are eyeing ways to stimulate their expansion to foster a more dynamic private sector under the Kuwait National Development Plan (KNDP) 2020-25. By doing so, they hope to generate diverse new engines of growth and job creation, and reduce the economic reliance on public…
As part of plans to expand and diversify its global trade partners and fulfil their respective national development strategies, the GCC has launched negotiations with the UK on a free trade agreement (FTA). This partnership is expected to bolster the bloc’s economy, help attract investment and provide greater opportunities for local businesses. On June 22, 2022, the two parties signed a joint statement…
Development aid is a fundamental and long-standing pillar of Kuwait’s foreign policy. Since independence, the combination of the country’s geography, relatively small armed forces and oil wealth have shaped the views of Kuwaiti leadership on the importance of bilateral and multilateral development cooperation as a tool of diplomacy. The country has pioneered regional efforts in the field, establishing…
While many established global stock markets have seen mixed performance in recent years, Kuwait’s have shown positive gains – highlighting the robust nature of its capital markets. With an economy backed by rising oil prices and a solid, well-capitalised financial sector, the country continues to see international investor interest grow. Indeed, its benchmark indices recorded positive performances…
The Kuwaiti insurance sector is undergoing a period of change and growth, as a new regulatory body finds its feet and companies emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic. Stronger oversight and a move towards greater standardisation, coupled with the continuing evolution of digital insurance technology (insurtech), are likely to see that trend continue, with the country’s crowded insurance field likely consolidating…
While it is common knowledge that laws in the Middle East include restrictions on foreign parties doing business that do not apply to citizens, progress has been made in recent years to facilitate foreign investment and participation in businesses in the region. Kuwait was a pioneer in this regard, with the promulgation of the Foreign Direct Investment Law (FDIL) in 2014, which has since been replicated…
