KUWAIT CITY, Jan 3: In a recent statement at the National Assembly's media center, MP Dawoud Marafi called upon the government to throw its weight behind small and emerging projects, emphasizing the need to address impediments hindering the enhancement of the business environment. Marafi expressed concern over what he perceives as a systematic onslaught against young entrepreneurs managing small projects, attributing this to individual actions by leaders within government agencies that he believes contribute to the deterioration of the work environment.

Highlighting specific instances of concern, Marafi pointed to the licensing process for organizing tourist trips and external tourist guidance. He noted that although the Ministry of Commerce had granted licenses to capable young individuals for organizing international trips abroad in an organized manner, the Director General of Civil Aviation issued a letter on November 2 requesting the Ministry of Commerce to cease such activities. Marafi criticized the lack of government action in response to these actions that adversely impact the business environment and called on the relevant minister to swiftly find a solution for the affected license holders.

Another significant issue flagged by Marafi pertains to the demolition of small, seasonal resorts set up on land in winter for recreational purposes. He urged the issuance of temporary licenses for the owners of these projects, with subsequent accountability for any violations of the law. Marafi attributed these challenges to a systematic war orchestrated by influential merchants exerting pressure on government leaders, emphasizing the need to halt such practices without proper regulation.

The third concern raised by Marafi relates to the treatment of expatriates, highlighting the disruption caused by deporting them without offering alternative solutions. He argued that this practice results in a disruption of the work environment and a subsequent increase in labor costs due to supply and demand imbalances. Marafi stressed the importance of attracting skilled workers with families to maintain the demographic structure, cautioning against Kuwait only attracting single individuals.

Lastly, Marafi addressed issues surrounding tenders and the support for Gulf products as local products. He refuted the notion that Gulf agreements recognize the local product as such, stating that Gulf countries do not support Kuwaiti products or include them in their tenders. He criticized the lack of implementation of laws favoring Kuwaiti products and accused ministerial decisions of equating Gulf products with Kuwaiti ones, thereby negatively impacting local youth projects.

In conclusion, Marafi called for a direct response from the government regarding the challenges faced by young entrepreneurs in light of these obstacles. He stressed the critical importance of both authorities prioritizing the creation of an environment conducive to the aspirations of Kuwaiti youth.