Kuwait and China: A Strategic Partnership for Construction and Development
- Signed agreements between the two countries move to a new stage of cooperation
Kuwait continues to advance the transformation of its strategic partnership with the People’s Republic of China, established through seven agreements signed in September 2023, into executable projects on the ground, as part of a new phase of developmental cooperation between the two nations.
North Kabd Station
The North Kabd Water Treatment Plant project, which saw the signing of its construction and operation contract last week, is the second project to enter the execution phase under the Kuwait-China memoranda of understanding, following the Port of Mishref project. The project is part of efforts to develop environmental infrastructure and improve wastewater treatment efficiency, keeping pace with urban growth and achieving sustainable development targets.
In the energy sector, Kuwait and China signed the Framework Agreement for Technical Arrangements for Cooperation in Renewable Energy Projects in March 2025. This agreement covers the third and fourth zones in Al-Shaqiya and the Abdali project, following negotiations that lasted approximately six months to establish a roadmap for accelerating project implementation, in line with directives from the political leadership.
Mubarak Port Project
The Port of Mishref project stands out as the first practical cooperation outcome between the two countries, following the signing of the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction contract in December 2025. It will serve as an economic and logistics hub that contributes to the development of maritime transport, enhances port capacity, and connects Kuwait to regional and international trade networks.
The Council of Ministers approved contracting the Chinese state-owned China Communications Construction Company to implement, manage, and operate the project, after completing the legal procedures related to the memorandum of understanding and its annexed protocol, which included the establishment of a joint working group to monitor implementation.
Overcoming Obstacles
In mid-February last year, Minister of Public Works Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan signed the contract for study, design, and pre-execution services to complete the Port of Mishref project, with direct execution of the contract work commencing on March 16, 2025. The Council of Ministers had formed a committee in February 2024 to follow up on agreements and memoranda of understanding concluded with China. The committee held dozens of meetings aimed at transitioning signed agreements into actual implementation.
The committee’s efforts since its formation have contributed to accelerating coordination and consultation with the Chinese side, intensifying technical visits, removing obstacles to projects, setting plans and priorities, and supporting relevant ministries and government agencies in implementing the memoranda of understanding. His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah, Prime Minister, directed the members of the ministerial committee on multiple occasions to follow up on strategic priorities in implementing developmental projects, thereby supporting the country’s efforts to strengthen relations with various nations around the world.
His Highness the Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of continuing joint efforts to overcome all obstacles according to clear strategies, methods, and approaches for implementing previously agreed-upon plans.
The Kuwaiti government has reaffirmed on multiple occasions its commitment to elevating ambitious strategic partnerships between Kuwait and sister and friendly countries through broad cooperation in various developmental fields, including expanding the base of current and future major projects.
