Ever since joining China’s Belt & Road Initiative in 2014, Kuwait has witnessed an increasing number of mutual cooperation discussions with China and a growing Chinese interest in participating in projects on the expansion of Kuwait’s infrastructure capabilities. According to statements by the Chinese Ambassador to Kuwait, Zhang Jianwei, Kuwait was the first country in the GCC to sign cooperation agreements with China within the Belt & Road Initiative framework.
Recently, Kuwait has requested China to hasten the issuance of a study on the development of the long-awaited Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port on Boubyan Island. Kuwait has allocated USD 614 million in the 2024-2025 State budget for this project. The port is expected to handle more than eight million containers and cover an area of approximately three square kilometres, making it one of the biggest industrial and commercial ports in the region.
The above is only the latest in a series of events marking the desire of both Kuwait and China to enhance their commercial ties. In September 2023, Kuwait and China signed seven memoranda of understanding for cooperation on large-scale infrastructure projects across various sectors, including waste recycling, wastewater treatment and processing, renewable energy, ports, free zones, economic zones, and urban development. These initiatives aim to accelerate Kuwait’s economic growth and actively contribute to achieving Kuwait’s New Vision 2035.
Unrivalled Expertise in Kuwait Law
Our firm prides itself on its in-depth expertise in advising foreign and local investors, sponsors, and government bodies on public-private partnerships and infrastructure projects. As evidence of our clients’ confidence in our capabilities, we have been ranked as a Tier 1 firm in the area of privatisation and projects by Legal 500 and in the area of project development by IFLR.
Our projects team, spearheaded by Ibrahim Sattout (Partner), brings decades of experience, allowing us to provide the highest quality legal service while considering the practical implications investors are keen on.
Reach Out to Us
Should you seek legal assistance with any infrastructure projects you are or plan to be involved in, please reach out to any of our projects team members: Ibrahim Sattout (Partner), Akusa Batwala (Partner), Hussein Azmy (Senior Associate).
