Kuwait-China projects spell ‘massive progress’ in bonds

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 6: Kuwait is steadily advancing the implementation of its strategic partnership with China, transforming the seven agreements signed in September 2023 into tangible development projects that mark a new phase of comprehensive bilateral cooperation. The North Kabd Technology Station, whose construction and operation contract was signed last week, has become the second project to enter the implementation phase under the memoranda of understanding signed between the two countries.

The project follows earlier cooperation launched under agreements signed by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Chinese President Xi Jinping, covering energy, housing, environmental protection, free zones and the strategic Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port. The North Kabd Technology Station is expected to strengthen wastewater treatment infrastructure, improve environmental sustainability, enhance treatment efficiency and support Kuwait’s urban expansion and longterm sustainable development goals.

In March 2025, Kuwait and China signed the framework agreement for technical arrangements governing cooperation in renewable energy, following directives from Kuwait’s political leadership to accelerate major joint development projects. Signed at China’s National Energy Administration headquarters in Beijing, the agreement concluded nearly six months of negotiations to establish a practical roadmap for accelerating renewable energy projects at Shagaya Phases Three and Four and Abdaliya.

Kuwait-China signing ceremony for the Northern Kabd Wastewater Treatment Plant construction, operation and maintenance project

The two countries have since intensified coordination through regular bilateral meetings aimed at overcoming obstacles, accelerating implementation and expanding cooperation in support of Kuwait’s economic development strategy and investment objectives. A major milestone came in December 2025 with the signing of the engineering, procurement and construction contract for Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, representing the first practical outcome of the Kuwait-China agreements and memoranda of understanding.

The strategic port project is expected to strengthen Kuwait’s maritime infrastructure, enhance port capacity and operational efficiency, and integrate the country into regional and international trade and shipping networks. Implementation began after Kuwait’s Cabinet approved in January 2025 the nomination of China Communications Construction Company to undertake the design, construction, management and operation of the project through direct contracting.

The Cabinet had earlier approved the memorandum of understanding and its accompanying protocol concerning the port project, with the law entering into force upon its publication in the Official Gazette in January 2025. The legislation established the framework for bilateral cooperation, designated implementing authorities, created a joint working group and provided for reciprocal visits and technical recommendations related to the project.

In February 2025, Minister of Public Works Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan signed the consultancy contract covering studies, design and pre-execution services for completing Mubarak Al- Kabeer Port, with implementation beginning the following month. Kuwait’s Cabinet established a committee in February 2024 to oversee agreements and memoranda of understanding with China, holding dozens of meetings to facilitate implementation and coordinate technical cooperation between both sides.

The committee has accelerated consultations, supported government entities, resolved implementation challenges and prioritized projects, while the ministerial committee for major development projects has continued legal and technical reviews to ensure timely execution. Prime Minister His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah has repeatedly directed the committee to prioritize strategic development projects, remove implementation obstacles and strengthen Kuwait’s partnerships with friendly countries through sustainable economic cooperation. The Kuwaiti government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding strategic partnerships with sisterly and friendly countries by broadening cooperation across key development sectors and advancing current and future major national projects. (KUNA)