EU-GCC Business Forum hosted by Kuwait to turn shared ambitions into action
By Anne Koistinen
EU Ambassador to Kuwait
The EU is delighted that Kuwait will host the 9th EU-GCC Business Forum “Together for Shared Prosperity” on 5 and 6 November at Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre. This high-level joint event will convene senior policymakers, business leaders, investors and entrepreneurs from both regions to foster dialogue and build partnerships that support economic diversification and sustainable growth. Kuwait, holding the 2025 GCC Presidency and as the host of the Business Forum, plays a pivotal role in advancing the EU-GCC partnership.
The EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Mr. Maroš Šefčovič will visit Kuwait on the occasion of the Business Forum. Vice-President of the European Investment Bank Mr. Ioannis Tsakiris and EU Special Representative for the Gulf Mr. Luigi Di Maio are also expected to join the Business Forum as high-level speakers.
The Business Forum will explore ways to accelerate the immense potential in EU-GCC relations in terms of innovation, trade and investments. The Gulf region is the EU’s sixth largest trading partner, while the EU is the GCC’s second biggest trade partner, providing 11.7 % of the GCC’s total trade in goods. In 2024 two‑way trade in goods reached €161.7 billion. These figures illustrate not only a dynamic relationship, but also highlight untapped potential.
The networking sessions at the Business Forum with distinguished panelists from the EU and the GCC will focus on trade and investment, digital economy, AI and innovation, SMEs and skills development, empowering entrepreneurs and youth, with additional emphasis on cooperation in vital sectors such as tourism, cleantech, healthcare, food security, education and creative industries. These themes reflect shared EU–GCC priorities in fostering diversification, supporting private sector development, and advancing innovation-driven growth. There will be also an exhibition hall and facilitated B2B/G2B/G2G meetings.
In conclusion I encourage those across private and public sectors interested in participating in this remarkable event to visit the website and social media accounts of the EU Delegation in Kuwait to register.
