KUWAIT CITY, Dec 1: Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Al-Ajeel affirmed Monday that the government will not permit the misuse of industrial plots outside their legal framework, stressing that strict and deterrent measures will be taken against any violators.

In a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) following an extensive inspection tour of industrial and service plots in the Al-Rai and Shuwaikh areas, Al-Ajeel said the visit underscored the urgent need to intensify field inspections to curb violations and restore order in the industrial sector. The minister was accompanied by a full team from relevant regulatory authorities to assess compliance, evaluate operational efficiency, and address irregularities affecting the country’s industrial environment.

“The law will be applied to everyone without exception. Severe violations will result in immediate closure and referral to the competent authorities,” Al-Ajeel said, expressing appreciation for the level of compliance observed at several factories. He added that safeguarding the national economy and supporting the development of the Kuwaiti industry required addressing any shortcomings that undermine the sector’s integrity.

Al-Ajeel emphasized that the Public Authority for Industry (PAI) will continue to enforce regulations rigorously to ensure industrial plots are used strictly for their intended purposes and managed professionally to improve the quality of local industries.

In a separate statement to KUNA, the Public Authority for Industry said the inspection tour aligns with directives announced during the Kuwait Industry Award ceremony weeks earlier, where the minister stressed that adherence to laws is essential for industrial growth, product quality, and Kuwait’s regional competitiveness.

PAI noted that inspection campaigns will continue under a phased plan covering all industrial zones, aimed at ensuring optimal land use, encouraging genuine investment, enhancing operational transparency, and eliminating violations.

The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to empowering the industrial sector, raising efficiency levels, and supporting government efforts to improve the economic climate, drive growth, and strengthen national industries. It added that joint coordination among participating government agencies reflects a renewed approach to multi-agency oversight to address violations promptly and comprehensively.

The tour included participation from the General Fire Force, Kuwait Municipality, the Environment Public Authority, the Public Authority for Manpower, and the Ministries of Interior and Commerce and Industry to ensure compliance with security, safety, environmental, licensing, labor, and land-use regulations.

Minister of Commerce and Industry tours industrial and service plots in Al-Rai and Shuwaikh areas