Under the patronage and in the presence of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmed Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah, Kuwait will host the Ninth Gulf-European Business Forum on Wednesday under the theme “Together for Shared Prosperity.”

The two-day event, organized at the Abdullah Al-Salem Cultural Centre, brings together senior government officials, business leaders, investors, and innovators from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Europe.

As the current chair of the GCC, Kuwait is presiding over this strategic gathering, which aims to strengthen economic cooperation between the Gulf and Europe, promote trade and investment opportunities, and support knowledge exchange and innovation in pursuit of economic diversification and sustainable growth.
A Platform for Strategic Partnerships

The forum serves as a key platform to build new Gulf-European partnerships, explore joint ventures, and foster dialogue between the public and private sectors. Participants will engage in discussions on issues such as green growth, digital transformation, food security, renewable energy, and sustainable finance.

European ambassadors, in statements to Al-Rai, praised Kuwait’s pivotal role in fostering stronger relations between the GCC and the European Union, describing it as a reliable and forward-looking partner in advancing regional economic integration and sustainable development.

They commended Kuwait’s stable investment environment and progressive legislation, which continue to attract European investors seeking opportunities in the country’s growing sectors.

Spain: Partnering for Sustainable Development

The Spanish Ambassador, H.E. Hernández Gamallo, described the Gulf countries as strategic partners for Spain, highlighting decades of Spanish expertise in engineering, energy, and infrastructure projects.

He pointed out that Spain is the fourth-largest food producer in the EU and among the world’s top ten, with over 30,000 companies covering the entire food value chain. Spain’s advanced capabilities in precision agriculture, desalination, biotechnology, and logistics, he said, could significantly contribute to Kuwait’s food security strategy.

Gamayo also underlined Spain’s global leadership in sustainable tourism and digital transformation, adding that Spanish companies offer advanced solutions in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and smart city development.

Spanish firms, including Tecnicas Reunidas, are already active in Kuwait—most notably in the Al-Zour Refinery project. The ambassador praised Kuwait’s Partnership Law for its ability to attract foreign investment and expressed Spain’s desire to expand cooperation through long-term joint projects aligned with Kuwait Vision 2035.

Austria: Dialogue to Attract Joint Investments

The Austrian Ambassador, H.E. Ulrich Frank, described the forum as a major economic milestone that unites decision-makers and investors to discuss cooperation in renewable energy, digital transformation, food security, and industrial innovation.

He emphasized that the event provides a platform for dialogue between the public and private sectors, enabling the attraction of joint investments and supporting sustainable growth.

Frank noted that relations between Austria and the Gulf states, particularly Kuwait, are expanding in education, green technology, and environmental innovation, with projects under study to enhance knowledge exchange.

Czech Republic: Technology, Industry, and Defense Cooperation

The Czech Ambassador, H.E. Juraj Chmiel, emphasized vast opportunities for collaboration in energy (including nuclear and renewable), healthcare, agriculture, cybersecurity, and innovation.

He noted that the Czech Republic offers a safe and stable business environment within the EU’s single market, making it a preferred economic partner for the Gulf region.

Czech firms, he said, are capable of implementing turnkey industrial projects, highlighting their expertise in precision engineering, renewable energy, waste management, and automation.

He also revealed an upcoming memorandum of understanding in the healthcare sector between Kuwait and the Czech Republic and proposed cooperation in scientific research and soil decontamination, referencing Czech-developed technologies for oil pollution cleanup.

Khmel highlighted his country’s century-old defense industry, which produces light weapons, aircraft, and modern military systems, noting that the Czech Republic hosts NATO’s only Center of Excellence for CBRN Defense.

Malta: Kuwait a Key Gateway for Trade

The Maltese Ambassador, H.E. Prof. George A. Said-Zammit, praised the growing cooperation between Malta and the GCC in logistics, tourism, and technology, emphasizing Kuwait’s geographical importance and its role as a key trade hub linking Europe and the Gulf.

He cited major national projects, such as Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, and Kuwait’s focus on green economy initiatives as factors enhancing its position as a regional center for trade and investment.

Zammit also highlighted Malta’s Citizenship by Investment Program, offering Gulf investors access to the European single market, supported by a stable economic and legal framework.

Germany: Partnership for a Sustainable Future

The German Ambassador, H.E. Hans-Christian Freiherr von Reibnitz affirmed that the Gulf—especially Kuwait—is an increasingly important destination for German investment.

He revealed that leading German institutions, including the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technologies (UMSICHT), will participate in the forum, bringing advanced expertise in biomass conversion, carbon capture, and pollution control technologies.

Germany, he said, seeks to expand cooperation with Kuwait in waste reduction, hydrogen energy, and climate protection, expressing confidence that integrating German technology with Gulf resources will create long-term mutual benefits.

Trade between Germany and Kuwait currently stands at around €2 billion annually, with expectations for further growth as a result of the forum.

France: A Vision for Green Growth and Innovation

The French Ambassador, Olivier Gauvin, described France’s partnership with the GCC as strategic and long-term, rooted in stability and shared priorities.

He emphasized France’s expanding cooperation with Kuwait in renewable energy, green technology, and smart infrastructure, noting the involvement of French companies such as Veolia, EDF, TotalEnergies, and Egis in key national projects.

Gauvin highlighted the role of French SMEs and startups—particularly in AI, digital solutions, and hydrogen technologies—as potential contributors to Kuwait Vision 2035.

He added that France’s annual “Vision Gulfe” Forum in Paris, organized by Business France, brings together leaders from France and the GCC, including Kuwait, to foster investment partnerships and innovation exchanges.

“Kuwait’s ambitions in innovation and sustainable development align perfectly with Europe’s vision for knowledge-based cooperation,” Gauvin said, stressing that Kuwait is not only a bridge between regions, but also a key beneficiary of Gulf-European partnerships aimed at building a more prosperous and sustainable future.