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GCC Secretary General, EU Trade Chief Discuss Ways to Enhance Trade, Economic Relations

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. (GCC)
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. (GCC)
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GCC Secretary General, EU Trade Chief Discuss Ways to Enhance Trade, Economic Relations

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. (GCC)
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. (GCC)

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi and European Commission Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis met in the Emirati capital, Abu Dhabi, on the sidelines of the World Trade Organization’s (WTO's) 13th Ministerial Conference, SPA said on Monday.
The two sides reviewed economic and trade relations and discussed ways to enhance them, building on their historical partnership.
They also expressed aspiration to build stronger relations and expand the scope of economic and trade cooperation between the GCC countries and the European Union to achieve common objectives and enhance the interests of both parties.

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Kuwait Finance Minister Forecasts $85 Bn Deficit Over Next Four Years

Kuwait’s Finance and Investment Minister Dr. Anwar Al-Mudhaf (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Kuwait’s Finance and Investment Minister Dr. Anwar Al-Mudhaf (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Kuwait Finance Minister Forecasts $85 Bn Deficit Over Next Four Years

Kuwait’s Finance and Investment Minister Dr. Anwar Al-Mudhaf (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Kuwait’s Finance and Investment Minister Dr. Anwar Al-Mudhaf (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Kuwait’s Finance and Investment Minister, Dr. Anwar Al-Mudhaf, anticipates a budget deficit of 26 billion dinars ($85 billion) over the next four years. Speaking to Kuwait TV, he revealed that in the past decade alone, Kuwait accumulated a deficit of 33 billion dinars ($107.7 billion), financed from state reserves.

Looking ahead to the 2024-2025 fiscal year, Kuwait expects revenues of 18.9 billion dinars ($61.7 billion) against expenditures of 24.5 billion dinars ($80 billion), resulting in a projected deficit of 5.6 billion dinars ($18.2 billion).

Al-Mudhaf emphasized the need for economic reforms, focusing on fiscal sustainability and diversifying non-oil revenues to strengthen Kuwait’s economy.

He outlined nine initiatives aimed at restructuring the budget and increasing non-oil income, stressing that these reforms are essential and supported by the country's leadership.

Regarding social support, Al-Mudhaf assured that citizens’ salaries will be unaffected, with subsidies directed more equitably to those in genuine need. He highlighted the importance of fair distribution of support, addressing disparities between individual and corporate beneficiaries.

Al-Mudhaf reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to economic reform through initiatives aimed at enhancing trade, tourism, and financial sectors while preserving reserves for future generations.

Moreover, the minister emphasized that the country’s ruler has directed clear efforts to boost new investment opportunities, refuting claims of impending salary or bonus cuts as untrue. He urged people not to trust social media rumors about the Ministry of Finance or any other ministry.

Regarding foreign investments, the Al-Mudhaf said: “We have multiple agreements with Chinese firms and are working on developing free trade zones.”

“The Chinese government has assigned a company to handle and represent its interests in Kuwait, particularly at Mubarak Port. Additionally, there are agreements concerning the Shaqaya project, housing developments, and the northern region,” he clarified.

Al-Mudhaf also stressed the importance of supporting the private sector, expanding trade, and diversifying financial tools.