Launch of 'Next 26' Conference to Strengthen Kuwaiti Industry and Support the National Economy - Sarmad

The 26th Kuwait National Exhibition and Conference for Industries (Next 26) kicked off today, Wednesday, under the slogan “Made in Kuwait: Smart Sustainable Manufacturing and a Prosperous Economy.” The two-day event is held under the patronage of the Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment and Acting Minister of Commerce and Industry, Abdulaziz Al-Marzouq, with broad participation from a distinguished group of officials, experts, investors, and representatives of Kuwait’s industrial sector.

Speaking on behalf of the Acting Director General of the Public Authority for Industry, Shamlan Al-Jahdali, Acting Deputy Director General of the Industrial Cities Sector, Engineer Khaled Khatir, stated that the conference aims to enhance the role of national projects and industries in supporting the local economy.

He added that the conference also seeks to highlight the role and efforts of state ministries and agencies in supplying projects with high-quality products in Kuwait, while shedding light on small and medium-sized industries to encourage entrepreneurs and artisans in industrial and handicraft fields.

Khatir emphasized that Kuwaiti industry represents “an important pillar of the economy, a promising field for investment, innovation, and job creation,” noting the sector’s support for the national development agenda.

He clarified that the launch of Next 26 comes amid a shared commitment to developing industries in Kuwait, strengthening their role in supporting the national economy, and achieving sustainable development goals.

He noted that industry today “is no longer merely an economic activity but has become one of the fundamental pillars of a nation’s strength, its ability to face challenges, diversify income sources, and enhance economic security.”

He affirmed the Authority’s continued efforts to develop Kuwait’s industrial sector by improving the business environment, streamlining regulatory procedures, encouraging industrial investment, and supporting the growth of industrial enterprises to enhance their capacity for expansion, production, and competitiveness in local, regional, and international markets.

He stated that the Authority prioritizes enhancing the quality of national products, developing their competitiveness, and encouraging factories to adopt modern technologies, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence applications to boost production efficiency, improve quality, and add value to the national economy.

He pointed out that supporting national industry is a shared responsibility requiring coordinated efforts among government entities, the private sector, and supporting institutions, alongside strengthening the role of small and medium-sized enterprises and integrating them into a comprehensive industrial system and supply chains, thereby opening broader horizons for national initiatives and new investments.

Khatir highlighted that developing national human resources and training Kuwaiti youth in industrial, engineering, and technological fields is a key priority to ensure the sustainability of the industrial sector and build a generation capable of keeping pace with rapid developments and contributing to shaping the future of Kuwaiti industry.

He noted that Next 26 serves as an important platform to showcase successful experiences and national potential, enhance communication among manufacturers, investors, and decision-makers, and open new avenues for cooperation and partnerships that benefit and support the growth of the industrial sector.

He expressed hope that the conference and exhibition would yield practical, implementable ideas and initiatives, and that the exhibition would provide an opportunity to highlight the quality of Kuwaiti products, the progress achieved by national industry, and the growing confidence in them, while expanding their presence in markets.

Khatir conveyed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to all those involved in organizing the conference and exhibition, participating entities, sponsors, and everyone who contributed to its success, wishing that its outcomes would achieve the desired objectives and serve as a valuable addition to the trajectory of national industry.