Ministry of Transport preparing to launch a study on converting postal services into a public-private partnership

Kuwait’s Acting Minister of Transport, Eng. Meshal Al-Zaid, said on Friday that the ministry is proceeding with practical steps to develop the Kuwaiti postal sector and modernize its service system, keeping pace with the rapid global transformations in the postal industry. He noted that the next phase aims to achieve a qualitative leap in the level and efficiency of postal services provided in the State of Kuwait.

This statement was made by Al-Zaid in an interview with KUNA on the occasion of World Post Day, which is observed annually on October 9.

He added that a key pillar of the development efforts is preparing new postal legislation to replace Law No. (1) of 1970 concerning the regulation of postal activities. The goal is to establish a modern legal framework suited to the nature of contemporary postal services, as well as the technical and operational developments in the sector. This new framework will support service development and efficiency enhancement, while creating an appropriate legal and regulatory environment for the future of postal services in Kuwait.

Al-Zaid further stated that the ministry is preparing to issue a tender for a global specialized consulting firm to study the postal sector and prepare the necessary studies and documents to transform it into a public-private partnership model. This initiative will leverage global expertise and best practices in the development, management, and operation of postal services, thereby contributing to improved operational efficiency, enhanced service quality, upgraded operational and technical infrastructure, and the introduction of new postal and logistics services tailored to the growing e-commerce sector and the needs of individuals and businesses.

Al-Zaid emphasized that the ministry’s focus on developing legislation and engaging global consulting expertise is part of a comprehensive vision for the future of Kuwait’s postal sector. This vision aims to build a modern, more efficient, and sustainable postal sector, maximize its economic and service potential, and maintain the quality and continuity of postal services while enhancing the experience of beneficiaries.

Concluding his remarks, Al-Zaid stressed that World Post Day serves as an occasion to highlight the renewed role of the postal sector and its importance in supporting trade, communication, and logistics activities.

It is worth noting that World Post Day was established by the Universal Postal Union Congress held in Tokyo in 1969, commemorating the founding of the Union on October 9, 1874. The day aims to raise awareness of the postal sector’s role in the lives of individuals and institutions, and its contribution to social and economic development.

World Post Day, observed annually on October 9, highlights the journey of the Kuwaiti postal service and its role in connecting the country with the world, serving society, and supporting trade. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transport is working to develop sector regulations and modernize services to keep pace with technological changes and the growing needs of individuals and businesses.

The history of official postal services in Kuwait dates back to the opening of the first post office on January 21, 1915. Subsequent milestones included Kuwait assuming responsibility for domestic postal services in 1958 and international postal services in 1959, followed by its accession to the Universal Postal Union in 1960. These milestones laid the foundation for Kuwait’s presence in the international postal communication system.