KUWAIT: The pilot phase of Kuwait’s new electronic integration system between the National Fund for Small and Medium Enterprise Development and the General Administration of Customs will begin tomorrow, with an official launch expected early next week. The initiative aims to speed up customs exemption procedures and reduce duplication between government agencies.

The move is part of broader efforts to improve government services for entrepreneurs and support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It also aligns with Kuwait’s national vision for digital transformation and administrative efficiency.

Acting Director General of the Fund Hiba Al-Rifai said the system will simplify customs procedures for Fund-supported businesses and ease the administrative burden on entrepreneurs. “This step is part of the fund’s efforts to enhance the business environment and improve services provided to entrepreneurs,” she told the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).

Between April 2024 and the end of March 2025, the Fund issued 828 customs exemption certificates, resulting in savings of over KD 726,000 (about $2.4 million) for entrepreneurs. Al-Rifai said the volume of requests highlights the importance of automating the process.

The General Administration of Customs confirmed that the new system enables immediate verification of enterprise data registered with the Fund. Officials say this will reduce paperwork, speed up customs clearance, and make procedures more transparent.

“This digital connection marks a significant shift in modernizing customs operations,” said Director General of Customs Mutlaq Al-Enzi. “It reinforces national efforts to empower small and medium-sized businesses as key contributors to the national economy.” He added that the Administration is committed to expanding digital links with other agencies to raise performance and improve trust between Customs and the business community.

The update also comes as part of wider modernization efforts at border crossings. Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, recently emphasized the importance of upgrading Kuwait’s entry points to meet international standards of security and service. He said the use of smart technologies would be central to improving customs clearance and inspection systems and ensuring that border operations reflect Kuwait’s broader digital transformation goals. Al-Enzi added that customs is working toward fully digitizing its services, aiming to reduce costs, shorten processing times, and support Kuwait’s development as a regional trade and logistics center.

Officials from both agencies said the electronic link reflects effective cooperation between institutions and a shared commitment to improving service delivery for small businesses. — Agencies