Developments in contracts with Chinese state-owned companies to be announced this month
Hayat affirms depth of historical ties between Kuwait and Kingdom of Thailand
Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs, Ambassador Sami Hayat, disclosed progress has been made in negotiations with Chinese state-owned companies and confirmed that related announcements are expected to be issued later this month.
He made this statement to reporters on the sidelines of his participation in Thailand’s National Day celebration, held the day before yesterday at the Regency Hotel.
Kuwait has in recent years significantly expanded its economic and infrastructure partnerships with Chinese state-owned enterprises (SOEs), moving beyond traditional oil trade into sectors such as construction, housing, transport, petrochemicals, and energy. Chinese firms have become key players in implementing Kuwait Vision 2035, the country’s long-term development plan aimed at modernizing infrastructure, housing, industry, and logistics.
In March 2025, China Gezhouba Group Company Limited (CGGC) signed contracts with the Public Authority for Housing Welfare worth a combined US $557 million. The projects cover road networks, infrastructure works, irrigation reservoirs, and substations in the new South Saad Al Abdullah city.
Chinese involvement in Kuwait now extends to ports, petrochemicals, renewable energy, wastewater treatment, and transportation, including rail and logistics projects. A recent agreement between the Petrochemical Industries Company of Kuwait and Wanhua Chemical Group highlights efforts to strengthen cooperation in petrochemicals and diversify beyond crude oil exports.
The surge in collaborations is driven by Kuwait’s push for economic diversification, shifting from a hydrocarbon-based economy to one focused on value-added industries, infrastructure, housing, and logistics.
The partnership is mutually beneficial, as Kuwait’s demand for large-scale construction and industrial projects aligns with China’s expertise in infrastructure, petrochemicals, and industrial manufacturing. Several initiatives also tie into China’s Belt-and-Road Initiative, linking Kuwait’s projects to broader regional and global trade networks.
The upcoming announcements of new contracts with Chinese SOEs are expected to further accelerate the Vision 2035 development agenda, particularly in housing, infrastructure, energy, and industrial diversification. Observers expect the deals to expand into more complex sectors, including petrochemicals, logistics, wastewater treatment, and renewable energy projects.
These developments underscore the strengthening economic partnership between Kuwait and China, highlighting the growing role of Chinese investment and expertise in Kuwait’s modernization and long-term strategic growth.
Meanwhile, Hayat affirmed the depth of the historical relations between Kuwait and the Kingdom of Thailand, noting that these ties are “strong and flawless,” extending over decades of cooperation and mutual understanding.
He said: “More than one hundred thousand of our citizens visit Thailand annually, which is a large number relative to Kuwait, and reflects the trust and affection Kuwaitis have for this friendly country.”
He pointed out that tourism in Thailand is non-seasonal and enjoys demand throughout the year, whether for leisure or the medical tourism Thailand is known for.
Hayat noted that relations between the two countries “have gone beyond the traditional bilateral framework” to a solid partnership within the Asian Dialogue, affirming that this initiative originally began as a joint Kuwaiti–Thai idea “and over time has transformed into a strong nucleus of cooperation between Kuwait, Thailand, and ASEAN countries.”
He revealed that a meeting of foreign ministers is scheduled to be held in the first or second quarter of next year in preparation for the ASEAN Summit, adding: “Communication and coordination are ongoing, and relations continue to develop day by day.”
On the economic side, Ambassador Hayat praised the growing presence of Thai products in the Kuwaiti market, confirming the emphasis on commercial relations, especially in the field of food security, noting that “there is ongoing cooperation that will continue and expand in the coming phase.”
