Kuwait hosts ninth Gulf-European Business Forum: ‘Together for Shared Prosperity’
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 to Kuwait, H.E. Manuel Gamallo, emphasized that Spain views the Gulf countries as strategic partners sharing a common ambition for sustainable development. He noted that Spanish companies have extensive experience in executing major projects in engineering, energy, and infrastructure—sectors he identifies as highly promising for future cooperation with Kuwait and the Gulf region.
Ambassador Gamayo highlighted that Spain ranks as the fourth-largest food producer in the European Union and among the top ten globally, with over 30,000 companies spanning the full food value chain. He added that Spain offers advanced solutions in precision agriculture, smart irrigation, desalination-based farming, greenhouse technologies, biotechnology, and logistics, enabling it to support Kuwait’s strategy for achieving sustainable food security.
On sustainable tourism and digital transformation, the ambassador explained that Spanish expertise in managing tourist destinations while preserving heritage and the environment can assist Gulf countries in diversifying their economies and developing a tourism model that balances growth with sustainability. He also pointed out that Spanish companies provide leading solutions in artificial intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure, positioning them to help build smart cities and improve service efficiency across the region.
Regarding investments in Kuwait, Ambassador Gamallo noted growing interest from Spanish firms in public-private partnership (PPP) projects across energy, water, waste management, and major engineering sectors. He highlighted Tecnicas Reunidas, which is currently executing major projects including the Al-Zour refinery, demonstrating Spain’s industrial capabilities in the country.
The ambassador added that Kuwait’s Partnership Law provides an attractive environment for foreign investment and expressed Spain’s eagerness to expand cooperation through joint projects and long-term investments that align with Kuwait’s developmental vision.
Austria: Dialogue to Attract Joint Investments
The Ambassador of Austria to Kuwait, H.E. Ulrich Frank, affirmed that the forum represents a significant economic milestone, bringing together senior officials, business leaders, and investors from both sides to discuss cooperation in renewable energy, digital transformation, food security, industrial innovation, and strengthening public-private partnerships.
He explained that the event provides a valuable opportunity to exchange experiences and explore new investment areas that support sustainable economic growth in both the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and the European Union.
The ambassador added that the forum helps attract joint investments by offering a platform for dialogue between decision-makers and the private sector.
Ambassador Frank highlighted that Austria’s relations with the Gulf countries, particularly Kuwait, are expanding in areas such as the environment, clean energy, education, and advanced technologies.
He noted that educational and technical projects are currently being studied to facilitate knowledge exchange and capacity-building in green technology.
Czech Republic: Technology, Industry, and Defense Cooperation
The Czech Republic’s Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Juraj Chmiel, emphasized that there are extensive opportunities to expand industrial and technological cooperation between his country and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states across key sectors, including energy—both nuclear and renewable—healthcare and medical tourism, defense, cybersecurity, agriculture, innovation, information technology, investments, and startups.
In a statement Ambassador Chmiel noted that as part of the European single market, the Czech Republic provides a safe, stable, and reliable business environment, making it a preferred economic partner for Gulf countries.
He added that cooperation also extends to cultural and lifestyle areas, citing examples such as Czech Skoda vehicles widely seen on Gulf roads and luxurious Czech crystal chandeliers in both government and private buildings, reflecting the quality and presence of Czech products in the region.
Regarding Kuwaiti investment opportunities, the ambassador pointed out that Kuwait represents an important and attractive segment of the GCC market due to its promising opportunities, advanced infrastructure, and economic stability.
He also highlighted prospects for collaboration in healthcare and scientific research, noting that a memorandum of understanding is being prepared in the health sector, and citing Czech technologies—such as those developed by Dekonta to remove oil pollution from soil—that could be valuable to Kuwait given its experience with environmental recovery following the 1990 Iraqi invasion.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Chmiel said the Czech Republic can offer companies and expertise aligned with Kuwait’s Vision 2035, drawing on its strong industrial traditions and experience in precision engineering, agricultural technologies, renewable energy, waste management and recycling, green buildings, communications, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, industrial transformation, automation, aviation, and advanced medical equipment, including proton therapy centers.
He stressed that Czech companies are known for providing turnkey, integrated solutions for large-scale investment projects, making them reliable partners for infrastructure and sustainable development initiatives.
On defense and military cooperation, the ambassador highlighted the Czech Republic’s century-long history in the sector, noting its strengths in producing light weapons such as the CZ Colt rifles and pistols, ammunition, aircraft, military vehicles, and modern systems for communications, surveillance, radars, electronic warfare, and CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) defense. He added that the Czech Republic hosts NATO’s only Center of Excellence in this field.
Malta: Kuwait a Key Gateway for Trade
Malta’s Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. George Zammit, emphasized that cooperation between Malta and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries is steadily growing across diplomatic, economic, and cultural fields.
He noted that Malta aims to expand collaboration in logistics, ports, tourism, healthcare, and technology sectors.
Regarding Kuwait, Ambassador Zammit highlighted its strategic location and active diplomacy, describing the country as a key hub for strengthening trade ties between Europe and the Gulf.
He pointed out that major initiatives such as the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port and Kuwait’s support for the green economy reinforce its role as a vital center for regional trade cooperation.
The ambassador also highlighted Malta’s Citizenship by Investment Program, which provides Gulf investors with unique access to the European single market, backed by a stable economic environment, an Anglo-Saxon legal framework, and a skilled workforce.
Germany: Partnership for a Sustainable Future
The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Kuwait, H.E. Hans-Christian Freiherr von Reibnitz, affirmed that the Gulf region, and Kuwait in particular, is becoming increasingly important as an attractive location for investment and business, noting that the expected broad German participation in the high-level economic forum between the Cooperation Council and the European Union, which Kuwait is hosting, reflects the extent of European interest in this vital and rapidly growing region.
The German envoy explained that Bonn sees great opportunities for developing industrial and technical cooperation in the fields of clean energy and advanced technology, noting that leading German companies and prestigious research centers such as the Fraunhofer Association – which includes 76 institutes specializing in applied research – will participate in the forum, including the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technologies (UMSICHT), which has developed global solutions in converting biomass into fuel and carbon capture and reuse technologies.
He added that the institute is ready to cooperate with Kuwaiti partners to implement these modern technologies in the areas of waste reduction, pollution control and enhancing climate protection efforts in Kuwait.
Regarding prospects for cooperation in the hydrogen energy sector, the German ambassador noted that Germany will continue to need energy imports to support its economy, and that the transition to renewable and green energy has become a national priority. He added that the “Hydrogen Partnerships” initiative launched by Germany in recent years represents a model for sustainable cooperation, expressing his confidence that the integration of German technology with Gulf resources will be mutually beneficial.
He pointed out that the volume of trade exchange between Germany and Kuwait currently amounts to about two billion euros annually, expecting that the forum will result in the establishment of fruitful partnerships between European companies and the Gulf private sector, especially in light of the implementation of Kuwait Vision 2035.
France: A Vision for Green Growth and Innovation
The French Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Olivier Gauvin, emphasized that France views its cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries as a long-term strategic partnership. He noted that French-Gulf relations are built on stability, strength, and integration, making both sides key platforms for accessing global markets.
Ambassador Gauvin highlighted that French-Kuwaiti cooperation is expanding in green technology, renewable energy, and smart infrastructure, aligning with Kuwait’s economic diversification plans under Kuwait Vision 2035.
He noted that leading French companies such as Veolia are actively contributing to water and waste management projects to build a cleaner and more sustainable environment. French energy firms like EDF and TotalEnergies are investing in Kuwait and participating in clean energy tenders, supporting the transition away from fossil fuels through low-carbon technologies and joint innovation projects.
He also stressed opportunities for French small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Kuwaiti market, noting that the upcoming economic forum provides a direct platform for these companies to connect with decision-makers and investors. Ambassador Gauvin highlighted France’s annual Vision Gulf Forum in Paris, which gathers over 1,500 business leaders, experts, and officials from France and the Gulf, including Kuwait, to exchange experiences and explore investment opportunities.
He added that French SMEs are providers of advanced technologies, green solutions, and digital transformation, with more than 300 startups in artificial intelligence, including Mistral, a global leader in AI development. French companies are also leading in energy storage and green and blue hydrogen technologies.
“The partnership between France and Kuwait is a two-way street,” the ambassador said. “French technology and expertise can support Kuwait’s development plans in line with the priorities of Kuwait Vision 2035.”
On the forum’s role in supporting a green economy, he explained that it serves as a constructive platform for governments, businesses, and innovation leaders from Europe and the Gulf to coordinate strategic priorities and set a shared agenda toward a more sustainable economy.
Ambassador Gauvin outlined current French projects in Kuwait, including modernizing the Meteorological Department, training engineers and technicians at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, infrastructure projects by Egis, aircraft supply from Airbus for Kuwait Airways, and water and renewable energy projects led by Veolia, EDF, and TotalEnergies Renewables.
He concluded that Kuwait’s ambitions in innovation, scientific research, and sustainable development align with Europe’s vision for knowledge-based, technology-driven, and diversified economic cooperation. He affirmed that Kuwait is both a mediator and a key beneficiary of European-Gulf partnerships, with France committed to supporting its path toward a more prosperous and sustainable future.
