Ministry’s open-door policy promises greater accessibility and transparency

• Under the Ministry of Commerce, officials will set fixed dates for receiving visitors, aiming to enhance transparency, flexibility, and trust while improving public services.

In line with the Public Authority for Industry and the Kuwait National Fund for Small and Medium Enterprise Development, entities under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, led by Khalifa Al-Ajeel, have implemented an open-door policy. They were instructed to establish fixed official hours for receiving visitors, particularly those providing services to the public, according to Al Rai newspaper.

In this regard, Al-Rai newspaper learned from relevant sources that, in response to the Council of Ministers’ directives on implementing the open-door policy across government agencies, officials from entities under the Ministry of Commerce, led by the undersecretary, are set to establish fixed dates for receiving visitors.

This initiative aims to foster greater flexibility and transparency, create an environment of mutual trust between government officials and the public, and improve the quality of services provided, as outlined in the Council of Ministers’ goals for this initiative.

In addition to the Public Authority for Industry, Kuwait National Fund for Small and Medium Enterprise Development and the ministry’s undersecretary, the list of service entities affiliated with the Minister of Commerce also includes the Competition Protection Authority and the Insurance Unit.

Each entity will designate a fixed date, once a week, for a two-hour session where officials can address problems and complaints submitted by visitors, ensuring a swift and efficient resolution that enhances transparency and strengthens trust between citizens and the government.

The sources pointed out that the implementation of the open-door policy by government officials will eliminate the need for ministerial intervention in both large and small complaints and requests, which should be resolved by the relevant officials of each entity according to their jurisdiction.

The minister’s role will continue to involve intervention when necessary, but not in every case. It is hoped that this policy will improve the quality of government services provided to the public and eliminate the bureaucratic complications some people face.

To facilitate and expedite the process, the sources mentioned that an electronic platform will be launched to allow the public to book appointments with officials from the Ministry of Commerce and its affiliates online. This will further contribute to building trust and fairness with the public, ensuring that reviews are conducted in a transparent and welcoming environment, aimed at resolving issues efficiently and swiftly.

The sources also explained that opening direct communication channels between the reviewer and the official strengthens the relationship between the government and society and is a reliable way to address the issue of accumulated complaints.