Country Profile
From The Report: Kuwait 2016
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A member of both the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and the GCC, Kuwait is arguably the most politically dynamic in the Gulf, which has afforded it strong foundations to help tackle recent issues concerning parliamentary elections and accountability. By continuing with economic diversification efforts and reducing dependence on oil revenues, it is also adding increased momentum to several large infrastructure projects, which will help further integrate Kuwait into the global economy. This chapter contains a viewpoint from Emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah, on the importance of addressing regional security within the GCC; and interviews with Marzouq Ali Al Ghanim, Speaker, Kuwait National Assembly; Abdul Latif Al Zayani, Secretary-General, GCC; and Tobias Ellwood, MP and Minister for the Middle East and North Africa, UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Gaining momentum: A programme of economic diversification under way should invigorate the private sector
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Kuwait is a member of both the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and the GCC. Additionally, the country is arguably the most politically dynamic in the Gulf, which has afforded it strong foundations to help tackle recent issues concerning parliamentary elections and accountability. By continuing with economic diversification efforts and reducing dependence on oil revenues, the country is also adding increased momentum to several large infrastructure projects. The tabled projects are…

Viewpoint

Forward together: Emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah, on the importance of addressing regional security within the GCC
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Kuwait’s security is an integral part of the security system of the GCC, and any threat targeting the security of one of the GCC countries will be treated as a threat to the security of Kuwait and to the rest of the GCC countries. We reject threats and cooperate to defeat them. This was reflected in practice when Kuwait suffered brutal aggression and occupation in 1990, and this was clearly emphasised recently in our response to the appearance of danger and threats to the security of the Kingdom…

Analysis

Dividend or liability?: Meeting the needs of the region’s growing youth population
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One of the most important issues currently facing the Middle East is the changing composition of its demography. A massive cohort of young people – known as a youth bulge – is challenging policy makers, with youth policy affecting security, education, the labour market and welfare programmes, among other areas. Given the relative stability and wealth of the GCC states, this is an issue that is seldom associated with the region. However, handling a vast and growing young population is just as…

Interview

Solid foundations: OBG talks to Marzouq Ali Al Ghanim, Speaker, Kuwait National Assembly
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Interview:Marzouq Ali Al Ghanim How is the National Assembly cooperating with the government to expedite the legal framework required to reform key economic sectors? MARZOUQ ALI AL GHANIM: Realising the importance of the economy in providing sustainable prosperity for the citizens of Kuwait, the National Assembly has addressed economic issues seriously and vigorously. The assembly has passed legislation aimed at activating the economy and overcoming many of the obstacles and hurdles we faced…

Interview

Principled partnership: OBG talks to Abdul Latif Al Zayani, Secretary-General, GCC
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Interview:Abdul Latif Al Zayani In what way does the GCC ensure regional security in collaboration with others? ABDUL LATIF AL ZAYANI: Regional security poses a great challenge, not only for the GCC states but for the entire region, particularly given the ongoing conflicts in Syria, Iraq, Libya and Yemen and the threats posed by extremist ideology and terrorist organisations. The GCC has intensified its efforts to ensure regional security based on two main principles. The first principle…

Analysis

Focus on food security: GCC nations are working to improve logistics and supply chains as well as secure farmland overseas
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Since Saudi Arabia began reducing its domestic wheat production in 2008, the issue of food security has been high on the agenda for GCC governments. The Kingdom, which was once self-sufficient in the grain and even exported to the wider region, recognised something that is true across the whole of the Arabian Peninsula: it is quickly running out of water, and local production of many agricultural products is unsustainable. As preservation of dwindling water supplies threatens a secure domestic source…

Analysis

Focus on food security: GCC nations are working to improve logistics and supply chains as well as secure farmland overseas
OBG
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Since Saudi Arabia began reducing its domestic wheat production in 2008, the issue of food security has been high on the agenda for GCC governments. The Kingdom, which was once self-sufficient in the grain and even exported to the wider region, recognised something that is true across the whole of the Arabian Peninsula: it is quickly running out of water, and local production of many agricultural products is unsustainable. As preservation of dwindling water supplies threatens a secure domestic source…

Analysis

Bond rush: Regional bond market activity reaches unprecedented heights
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A combination of factors has led to a rise in bond issuances from GCC member states across the first half of 2016. Over the period, bonds and sukuk (Islamic bonds) issued in the GCC hit $39bn, accounting for 15% of the region’s total outstanding bonds ($263bn) as of June 2016, and nearly equalling the value of issues in the whole of 2015. At a value of $20bn, sovereign bonds accounted for 51% of the new debt. Supply & Demand A number of elements have coincided to catalyse this bond…

Interview

Standing together: OBG talks to Tobias Ellwood, MP and Minister for the Middle East and North Africa, UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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Interview:Tobias Ellwood In what ways is the UK working with GCC partners to help reduce tensions in the Middle East? TOBIAS ELLWOOD: The UK has long-standing, close and productive relationships with all the Gulf states, most of which date back hundreds of years. They are as important to us as ever. The UK and our Gulf partners remain steadfast allies, and we work with them across a range of areas that affect us all, from education to regional security. With Daesh on its doorstep in Iraq…