KUWAIT CITY, Nov 15: Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Chinese Embassy in Kuwait Liu Xiang confirmed that the new Chinese ambassador will arrive soon. Speaking at a press conference in the embassy, during which he discussed the important outcomes of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, Xiang revealed the internal procedures for appointing ambassadors, such as nomination and approval. While he could not specify the exact arrival date, he assured readers that the new ambassador will arrive in Kuwait soon. Asked about the housing projects, Xiang disclosed that all projects are still under discussion and review, which necessitate time and effort due to the scale of these projects. He said Chinese companies are expressing interest in these projects.

He was quick to add though that the success of the projects requires cooperation between the two sides, adding, “it is a two-way street.” He added the Chinese side already presented its proposals and capabilities, while the final decision to select the appropriate companies lies with the Kuwaiti side. He then stressed that Kuwaiti-Chinese efforts are aligned, and that both sides are working together as a team to support Kuwait’s economic development, contribute to diversifying the economy, and improve the standard of living for its citizens. He pointed out that the shared goal is to serve the interests of both nations.

On the challenges that Chinese companies are facing, he stated that the nature of large-scale projects makes them linked to long-term development, requiring extensive work, in-depth scientific research, detailed discussions, and precise agreements. He pointed out that both the public and private sectors are working diligently. He then urged the public to continue following up these efforts and to give them more time. Concerning Kuwaiti laws and their mechanisms, and whether Chinese companies face any legal difficulties, Xiang explained that starting any new project may reveal new circumstances or unprecedented challenges. However, he affirmed that the Kuwaiti market has witnessed significant development in recent years, in its legal and commercial environments, which encourage foreign companies to invest and participate in development.

He said sincere discussions between the two sides are enough to resolve the emerging difficulties. He added that China considers itself a part of a single international community. “All of us are on the same boat, on the same Kuwaiti ship, and all countries are interconnected,” he asserted. On the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project, he confirmed that it is in the “preconstruction phase” and that it is a strategic development project for Kuwait. He said “the Chinese side has provided its best companies to study the project in cooperation with the Kuwaiti side,” expressing his hope that construction will begin soon.

He went on to say that next year will be a doubly significant milestone, as it marks the launch of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan for economic and social development, coinciding with the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Kuwait. He believes this coincidence presents both countries with “a historic opportunity to expand cooperation in various fields and jointly build a more prosperous future.” He stressed that cooperation between the two sides is steadily strengthening, particularly in major projects such as Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, renewable energy and residential cities. He confirmed that Chinese brands are expanding in the Kuwaiti market, offering high-quality products at competitive prices.” Cultural exchanges are also gaining momentum with the opening of the Chinese Cultural Center in the country, which enhances understanding between the two peoples,” he added.

He said the reforms and open policy adopted by the recent plenary session of the Communist Party of China “will create new opportunities for the development of Sino-Kuwaiti relations,” calling for “seizing the development opportunities arising from the 15th Five-Year Plan to enhance mutual cooperation and propel partnership to broader horizons, thus, contributing to building a community with a shared future for the good of mankind.” He stated that Vice President Han Zheng’s visit is significant in the history of China-Kuwait relations and a success by all measures. “The Kuwaiti side extended a high-level welcome, generosity and hospitality, for which the Chinese side expressed gratitude and appreciation.

The two parties reached important consensus on strengthening bilateral relations and achieving mutual benefits,” he concluded. On the other hand, Diplomatic Attaché at the Chinese Embassy in Kuwait Zhong Yujia talked about the features of ‘Smart China’ and the technological development the country is witnessing, emphasizing that Chinese technology “is no longer confined to laboratories, as it has become part of people’s daily lives, making education more personalized, healthcare more accessible and cities safer.” She pointed out that technological cooperation between China and Kuwait is witnessing pioneering applications at the regional level, specifically in the field of remote robotic surgery.

She said Kuwaiti doctors at Sabah Al-Ahmad Kidney Center, Jahra Hospital and Amiri Hospital performed delicate operations using Chinese robotic devices, such as the Toumai Medbot, thereby, improving the status of Kuwait in the field of digital medicine. She also highlighted the two countries’ cooperation in smart agriculture, indicating that Kuwaiti farms rely on Chinese equipment and technologies for irrigation, cooling, pesticides and fertilizers, which helped increase local production and improve its quality. She added that Chinese technology contributes to digital transformation, artificial intelligence and smart cities, aligning with Kuwait Vision 2035.

Another diplomatic attaché, Ji Yu Shan, revealed that Kuwait is the first Arab country to sign a cooperation document within the Belt and Road Initiative in 2014. “Since then, bilateral cooperation yielded positive results, making China the largest trading partner of Kuwait, with Chinese companies expanding their involvement in major projects in the energy, telecommunications, housing and infrastructure sectors. She added that the leadership of President Xi Jinping and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah served as a new impetus for economic relations.

“A series of important agreements were reached during their recent meetings, accelerating the implementation of joint projects,” she added. She affirmed that Kuwaiti companies are intensifying their presence in the Chinese market as well, citing the Kuwait Integrated Petroleum Industries Company (KIPIC) agreement with Wanhua Chemical Company worth $638 million, investment of Kuwait Investment Authority in CATL, and participation of Kuwait in major Chinese trade fairs. She said the upcoming five-year plan period “will open a new chapter in China- Kuwait cooperation based on mutual benefit and common development, bringing benefits for the citizens of both countries.”

By Fares Ghaleb Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff