‘Developing KSE market a national priority to strengthen investment climate’
Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Al-Ajeel affirmed on Saturday that developing Kuwait’s stock market is a national priority, as part of the country’s broader efforts to enhance its business and investment environment.
Speaking to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) after a meeting held at the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) headquarters, Al-Ajeel said the ministry is working closely with the CMA, Boursa Kuwait, and the Kuwait Clearing Company to launch a new phase of modernization and regulation. The goal, he explained, is to increase market depth, efficiency, and attractiveness to investors.
Al-Ajeel highlighted that recent indicators reflect notable improvement in market performance, with foreign investor trading rising by about 27 percent in 2024 compared to 2023, signaling growing international confidence in Kuwait’s capital market.
He added that market capitalization has expanded by nearly 30 percent over the past two years, while trading liquidity has surged by more than 85 percent since 2023, pointing to an expanding investor base and the market’s openness to global investment.
The Minister credited these positive results to the regulatory and technical reforms led by the CMA in cooperation with relevant entities, ensuring alignment with the highest international standards of transparency and governance.
“The capital market is the mirror that reflects the vitality of our economy and the development of its instruments,” Al-Ajeel said. “We aspire to a market that is deeper, more liquid, and more open to local and international investors — one that supports Kuwait’s business and investment environment.”
He emphasized that the next phase will see stronger coordination between regulatory and operational bodies to bolster transparency, enhance governance, and improve the investor experience.
“We are building a modern financial market founded on transparency and fairness, keeping pace with global economic transformations, and positioning Kuwait as a leading regional market,” he added.
The meeting also reviewed several development proposals aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the Kuwait Stock Exchange, stimulating new listings, improving liquidity, and simplifying investment procedures.
Participants agreed to develop a joint implementation plan including practical initiatives to advance the market’s performance and strengthen its technical and legislative infrastructure.
The session was attended by CMA Chairman Emad Tifoni, Boursa Kuwait Chairman Bader Al-Kharafi, Boursa Kuwait CEO Mohammed Al-Osaimi, and Kuwait Clearing Company Chairman Fahad Al-Mukhaizeem.
Established as the first regulated stock market in the Gulf region, the Kuwait Stock Exchange has long served as a key platform for financing national projects and private sector growth.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, alongside its partners, continues to drive efforts to advance the market into a more mature, transparent, and globally competitive stage, aligned with Kuwait’s vision for a diversified and sustainable economy.
