Al-Marzouq: Kuwaiti industry competes regionally and across the Gulf
KUNA – State Minister for Economic Affairs and Investment and Acting Minister of Commerce and Industry, Abdulaziz Al-Marzouq, affirmed that Kuwaiti industry is a source of pride and honor due to its quality, diversity, and competitive capacity at the Gulf and regional levels.
Speaking to KUNA on the sidelines of his visit to the exhibition accompanying the “Made in the Gulf” forum hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain, Minister Al-Marzouq said that participation in such exhibitions highlights the Kuwaiti product, showcases its quality and diversity, and strengthens its presence in various markets.
He praised Bahrain’s excellent organization of the forum and its accompanying exhibition, expressing his appreciation for the efforts made to showcase Gulf products and industries and to enhance communication among the various industrial sectors in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
On another note, Kuwait participated in the 71st meeting of GCC Ministers of Commerce in Manama, led by Minister Al-Marzouq.
Kuwait’s participation in the meeting aligns with its commitment to supporting the progress of joint Gulf work, enhancing economic integration, and fostering coordination among GCC member states in commercial and economic fields, thereby contributing to sustainable development, improving the business environment, and boosting intra-GCC trade.
Meanwhile, the National Fund for the Care and Development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) presented a proposal to develop the “Gulf Industrial Product Passport” during the sixth consultative meeting of GCC Ministers of Commerce and Industry with entrepreneurs, held in Manama.
In a statement, the Fund noted that the SMEs and Entrepreneurship Committee of the GCC Secretariat General prepared the proposals, recommendations, and challenges, which were presented at the consultative meeting in the presence of Minister Al-Marzouq.
The statement clarified that the consultative meeting between the Ministers of Commerce and entrepreneurs is held in implementation of the directives of the Trade Cooperation Committee, aiming to enhance dialogue with entrepreneurs and involve them in developing the Gulf entrepreneurial ecosystem. It added that the report was prepared according to the updated and approved methodology, within the governance framework of the SMEs and Entrepreneurship Committee.
It mentioned that the report reviewed the main challenges and proposals put forward by participating entrepreneurs, based on the outcomes of the Gulf survey, brainstorming sessions, and insights from entrepreneurs and member states, aiming to enrich the committee’s action plan. Guided by ministers’ directives, the committee will explore practical initiatives to enhance the competitiveness, integration, and sustainability of the sector.
Regarding the details of the Kuwaiti proposal for the “Gulf Industrial Product Passport,” presented by entrepreneur Omar Al-Mutairi, who is funded by the Fund and one of the participating initiators, the statement explained that the concept refers to a single digital file for each product, not a new paper passport or license. The file would be linked to existing systems and consolidate under a single number the key product data, including manufacturer details, country of origin, customs classification, compliance, and required accreditations.
He added that when a product moves from one Gulf country to another, the competent authority can directly access its approved data, rather than requiring the manufacturer to resubmit the same information each time. This would be complemented by a faster track for compliant, low-risk manufacturers.
The Fund stated that the Kuwaiti proposal comes after the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have made significant progress in customs and industrial integration. It clarified that the current challenge is to ensure that information flows as easily as goods do. Manufacturers may be forced to deal with different systems and authorities when entering multiple Gulf markets, and to re-submit data and documents that have already been registered or approved, which consumes time and increases operational costs.
