PM hails strategic pillar of economic development, affirms depth of Kuwait-China ties
KUWAIT: Kuwait and China on Monday signed an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract to execute the Mina Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project on Boubyan Island, under the patronage and presence of HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. The agreement was inked by Minister of Public Works Dr Noura Al-Mashaan and Vice Chairman of China Communications Construction Company Chen Zhong.
In a speech at the ceremony, HH the Prime Minister underscored the depth of Kuwait-China relations, describing them as built on “historic foundations” of mutual political respect, trust and shared interests. He said the ties reflect the wise vision of the leadership in both countries and their joint will to strengthen constructive cooperation and elevate bilateral relations to the level of strategic partnership. The signing of the EPC contract for the completion of the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project represents a culmination of this approach, he added, noting that the occasion coincides with the second anniversary of HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah assuming power, reflecting Kuwait’s commitment to qualitative development achievements.
HH Sheikh Ahmad described the port as one of the strategic pillars of Kuwait’s economic development, expected to enhance the country’s role in regional and international trade and global supply chains. The project will also support the goals of the New Kuwait 2035 vision by diversifying the economy, increasing national income, creating quality employment opportunities and strengthening the country’s logistics, commercial and service sectors.
Al-Mashaan said the signing marks a cornerstone in translating previously signed agreements and memoranda of understanding into tangible projects. She described the port as a major economic and logistics hub that will contribute to upgrading marine transport infrastructure and boosting the operational capacity of Kuwait’s ports.
Chinese Acting Charge d’Affaires Lie Xiang said the project falls within the framework of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, while Chen said the port represents the first major achievement in implementing the joint strategy, pledging to adhere to the highest standards in executing the project.
The ceremony was attended by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Shareeda Al-Maousherji and Head of the Prime Minister’s Diwan Abdulaziz Dekheel Al-Dekheel, along with ministers and senior officials.
Meanwhile, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya said the signing of the EPC contract reflects Kuwait’s keenness to modernize its infrastructure and enhance its strategic position in transport and logistics. Al-Yahya described the project as a key milestone in national development, highlighting the growing trust and cooperation between Kuwait and China in implementing large-scale strategic projects. He said Kuwaiti-Chinese cooperation is a cornerstone of Kuwait’s 2035 vision, through expertise exchange and expanded economic partnerships serving mutual interests.
Al-Yahya noted that Kuwait is entering a new phase of implementing its development vision, adding that the seven agreements signed during HH the Amir’s visit to China in Sept 2023 laid the practical groundwork for this stage. He said the remaining agreements with Beijing will be implemented soon, providing further momentum for the 2035 vision.
The Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project, he added, represents a qualitative leap in supporting the national economy and transforming Kuwait into a regional financial and trade hub, alongside other major infrastructure projects, including the expansion of Kuwait International Airport. – KUNA
