KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry has expressed its full readiness to support the business community and strengthen connections between Kuwaiti and Swiss companies. The announcement came during a meeting with a Swiss economic delegation led by Patrick Tran, Head of the Swiss-Kuwaiti Business Platform, and attended by Swiss Ambassador Tiziano Balmelli. Imad Al-Zaid, the Chamber’s Assistant Director, highlighted the strong bilateral ties between Kuwait and Switzerland. He said the visit is especially timely, coinciding with the official visit of Switzerland’s president to Kuwait on the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
“This visit reflects the commitment of both sides to expand partnerships and create new investment and business opportunities,” Al-Zaid said. He noted that trade and investment have been a cornerstone of cooperation, with bilateral trade exceeding $800 million in 2024. Swiss companies have contributed to projects and services in Kuwait, while Kuwaiti investors see Switzerland as a stable and reliable destination for investment.
Tiziano Balmelli
Patrick Tran said the two-day Swiss-Kuwaiti business event aims to foster communication among participating delegations and open new avenues for collaboration. “Switzerland is known not only for its global standing but also for its values and commitments,” he said. He added that the Swiss delegation includes experts in education, medical excellence, high-tech industries, luxury goods and finance.
Ambassador Balmelli expressed his gratitude to the chamber for hosting the Swiss delegation. He said the meeting is an important step in supporting bilateral economic relations and providing services to Kuwait’s private sector. He added that he looks forward to expanding trade and investment across multiple sectors. The Swiss delegation included representatives from 14 companies active in family business consulting, wealth management, construction technology, luxury watches, real estate, cybersecurity, life sciences, education and sports technology. The Swiss-Kuwaiti Business Platform (SKBP) is an official institutional initiative designed to strengthen economic ties between Switzerland and Kuwait. — KUNA
