Crown Prince unveils massive development

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CHINA VISIT USHERS LAUNCHING OF SEVERAL PROJECTS IN KUWAIT

Directives stress importance of avoiding bureaucracy

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 5: After wisely breaking the political stalemate and aggravation between the two authorities, the political leadership put Kuwait on the path of comprehensive development; taking into account the nature of the current stage along with its economic, social and political dimensions, as well as changes in the international arena, to achieve prosperity for the homeland and well-being of citizens. In September, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah will visit China for the first time, heading a high-level delegation. He will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, senior Chinese officials, and representatives of major companies.

■ Kuwait will be a center and major workshop in the next four years, according to sources
■ Northern Economic Zone, the islands and infrastructure in Kuwait are on the development map
■ Seek assistance from giant Chinese, South Korean, European and American companies without the local agent
■ Leadership’s conviction to end development stagnation has transformed into orders that are on their way toward implementation
■ Directives on implementing auxiliary laws that support the launching of projects and developing the necessary legislative structure for BOT projects
■ Direct recruitment of laborers without going through the tedious documentary cycle and return to their countries upon completion of their work

In this context, reliable sources confirmed the upcoming visit ushers the launching of several projects; foremost of which is the Silk Road, Silk City and others included in the development plan that is part the New Kuwait 2035 vision laid down several years ago. Sources said: “The political leadership’s conviction on the need to break out of the economic and development stagnation has been transformed into an order to make its way toward implementation.

The leadership has set the next four years to transform the country into a center and a major workshop to complete all projects that were delayed due to made up obstacles, or conflicts between successive governments and national assemblies.” Sources disclosed “higher directives have been issued to prepare proposals and laws to assist this launch; not only the Silk Road and City projects, northern economic zone and development of islands. Rather, the development map targets infrastructure throughout Kuwait.”

Sources added “giant Chinese, South Korean, European and American companies will be utilized in this regard, some of which have worked in neighboring countries where they completed major projects. Contracts will be signed directly with them, not through local agents as was the case in the past, in order to avoid raising and exaggerating prices. This is in addition to following up a flawless and elaborate achievement under the supervision of His Highness the Crown Prince.” Sources revealed “the legislative structure for Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) projects will be developed later in relation to investment and the terms for each project. One of the plans is for the abovementioned companies to build labor cities and recruit workers directly without going through the tedious documentary cycle. In this manner, human trafficking is prevented.

Once the project is completed, the laborers will be sent back to their countries.” While the sources emphasized that the leadership is keen on implementation and achievement, they also unveiled a plan “for agreements that guarantee none of these projects will be obstructed.” They also confirmed the issuance of instructions “to issue laws to achieve national development and quickly implement orders in this regard, as well as emphasizing the importance of distancing from the current bureaucratic administrative routine and long documentary cycle.” On the reasons behind the delayed implementation of these plans, sources said: “In the past, Kuwait went through a series of political tension that affected the internal situation; in addition to the stagnation of external relations, especially with its neighbors.”

“Nevertheless, His Highness the Crown Prince, who was assigned by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, to be in charge of administration, did not stray from following up the steps that must be taken. Work began immediately after the local storm subsided. The leadership was not oblivious to the accomplishments of neighboring countries, including the modernization of their infrastructure, as well as the achievements that preceded Kuwait.” “However, it was necessary to prepare the ground for kickstarting the work. From this standpoint, the visit to China, which is expected to take place in September, will pave way for the launching of sustainable development in the country.”

By Ahmed Al-Jarallah
Editor-in-Chief, the Arab Times

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