KUWAIT: To accelerate the construction of the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, the Cabinet approved a draft decree on Wednesday related to the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Kuwait and China, outlining their cooperation to complete the project. The MoU specifies key aspects, including the identification of the responsible entities: Kuwait’s Ministry of Public Works and China’s Ministry of Transport.

Kuwait resumed talks with China in May to revive the ambitious port project, which had been stalled for nearly a decade. A Chinese delegation visited the construction site that month for detailed technical discussions, followed by directives from both countries’ leadership to move the project forward. The revival of the project, which was about 50 percent completed before work stopped, is partly motivated by Iraq’s plan for a $17 billion road and rail network aimed at boosting regional trade—a project that involves Turkey, Qatar, and the UAE, with Kuwait initially sidelined.

The Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port is one of Kuwait’s largest and most ambitious development projects, designed to transform the country into a regional and global trade hub. The port will connect land and sea via multiple transportation modes, including highways and railways, positioning Kuwait as a key player in transit trade and regional logistics. The project is also expected to stimulate local private sector investment and attract foreign companies, contributing to the growth of the maritime transport sector and strengthening Kuwait’s position in global trade. Kuwait’s Municipal Council approved the expansion of the project in October, increasing its area tenfold to 116 million square meters.

The Cabinet was also briefed on another joint initiative with China: The Chinese government’s recommendation, through the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), to involve a Chinese state-owned company in executing Kuwait’s wastewater treatment plants project. Cabinet instructed the Committee for Monitoring the Implementation of Agreements between Kuwait and China, led by Minister of Public Works Dr Noura Al-Meshaan, to proceed with the necessary steps as per relevant procedures.

The NDRC is responsible for overseeing China’s overseas economic activities, ensuring they align with domestic development goals. It monitors the impact of these activities on China’s macroeconomy and collaborates with other ministries to regulate major investment projects. NDRC approval is required for investments over $300 million in natural resources, $100 million in non-natural resources, and projects in sensitive regions, including war zones or countries under UN sanctions. It also oversees investments in critical sectors such as infrastructure, telecommunications, and energy.

In a separate matter, following a proposal from Minister of Social Affairs and Minister of State for Family and Childhood Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah, the Cabinet approved the dissolution and liquidation of several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that had failed to comply with the legal requirements governing their operations. — Agencies