Hawiat: Promising Opportunities to Develop Cooperation Between Kuwait and Chad
Ambassador Samih Hayat, Assistant Undersecretary for African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, affirmed that Kuwaiti-Chadian relations are historical and have extended over decades. He noted that Kuwait was among the first countries to welcome and support Chad’s independence, and that formal diplomatic relations between the two nations were established in 1970, although ties between the two sides date back even further.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the Chadian Embassy’s celebration of the 66th anniversary of its independence, held last evening at the Crowne Plaza hotel, Hayat stated that Kuwaiti-Chadian relations are poised for further development and prosperity in the coming phase, given both countries’ commitment to expanding cooperation areas and enhancing shared interests.
Regarding Kuwaiti investments in Chad, Hayat clarified that the Kuwaiti side is currently reviewing the file with the Chadian Ambassador. He added that the Chadian government will present proposals outlining available investment opportunities in the country, paving the way for their study, assessment of economic viability, and discussion between the two governments, including through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development.
On the possibility of bringing Chadian labor to Kuwait, Hayat confirmed that the labor file is one of the main topics on the agenda of bilateral cooperation. He noted that it will be discussed with the Chadian side during the upcoming political consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries. He added that the talks will cover opportunities to utilize skilled Chadian labor and others, serving the needs of the labor market and strengthening cooperation between the two nations.
On the issue of cooperation in the field of food security, Hayat emphasized that this file tops the cooperation agenda between the two sides. He explained that the Chadian government will identify available opportunities and areas in this regard in the near future, to be discussed with the Kuwaiti side.
For his part, Chadian Ambassador to Kuwait Taher Khatir affirmed that relations between the two countries are “good and evolving from time to time,” describing them as old, historical, and friendly ties based on common bonds between the two nations. He stated that bilateral relations are strengthened through projects, agreements, and mutual visits by officials of both countries, as well as previously signed agreements and cooperation in multiple fields. He pointed to cooperation through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development and the diverse activities of Kuwaiti charitable associations in his country.
Khatir expressed Chad’s aspiration to develop its bilateral relations with Kuwait and elevate them to broader levels, while praising Kuwaiti support and cooperation.
Regarding the existence of an agreement between the two countries on bringing Chadian labor to Kuwait, the Ambassador said, “There are cooperation projects under discussion to bring Chadian labor to Kuwait,” adding that “once they are signed, they will be implemented immediately.”
He revealed that approximately 1,500 Chadian nationals are working in Kuwait, including professionals employed in the oil, telecommunications, and legal sectors, while most members of the community work in simple jobs, including driving.
The Ambassador renewed his invitation to Kuwaiti investors to invest in Chad, noting that Kuwait was among the first countries to support his nation. He said his country always invites its brothers in Kuwait, during joint meetings, to invest in “their second country, Chad,” emphasizing the provision of numerous guarantees to protect funds and facilitate investment and administrative procedures, along with tax reductions for investors.
He clarified that Chad is rich in agriculture and livestock, reaffirming his country’s readiness to cooperate with Kuwait in the fields of food security and renewable energy. The Ambassador disclosed ongoing talks with the Kuwait Livestock Company, which has expressed interest in cooperating with Chad and sending a delegation to his country to assess the situation and available opportunities. He also mentioned discussions with the Public Authority for Investment, describing its stance as “excellent,” as well as talks with the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
During his speech at the celebration, the Ambassador had affirmed that his country possesses significant investment potential in the sectors of agriculture, livestock, infrastructure, industry, renewable energy, and tourism, calling on Kuwaiti businessmen to discover the opportunities available in his country.
