KUWAIT CITY, Feb 16:  The Minister of Public Works, Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan, signed a contract on Sunday with the China State Construction and Communications Corporation Limited (CSCC) for the study, design, and provision of pre-implementation services for the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project. The contract was signed in accordance with Decree-Law No. 155 of 2024, which approves the memorandum of understanding between the governments of Kuwait and China regarding the establishment of the port, and Decree-Law No. 22 of 2025, which transfers the jurisdiction and financial appropriations for the port’s completion, management, and operation to the Ministry of Public Works.

The signing ceremony was attended by key figures, including the Vice Chairman of CSCC’s Board of Directors, Chen Zhong, as well as a high-level Chinese delegation. From Kuwait, the event was attended by Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs, Ambassador Samih Jawhar Hayat, along with senior officials from the Ministries of Public Works and Foreign Affairs, and the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Kuwait, Zhang Jianwei.

In her statement, Minister Al-Mashaan emphasized that the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project aims to position Kuwait as a regional transportation hub, in line with the strategic vision of New Kuwait 2035. She explained that the project would contribute significantly to diversifying the national economy and boosting Kuwait’s commercial and financial standing, especially by enhancing export and import activities. The port’s development will also create numerous business, professional, and job opportunities for Kuwaiti citizens, both during the construction phase and in the ongoing operations.

Minister Al-Mashaan reiterated that the completion of the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port is a top priority for Kuwait’s leadership, under the guidance of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. She stated that the port will serve as a pillar of advanced infrastructure, contributing to the development of Bubiyan Island through commercial investments, housing projects, and tourism initiatives.

Highlighting the importance of cooperation between Kuwait and China, Minister Al-Mashaan noted that communication between the two countries has been productive and ongoing, with both nations working together to achieve mutual goals. She emphasized that the Chinese leadership views Kuwait as a strategic partner in various sectors, including politics, economics, commerce, and investment.

Ambassador Hayat, speaking at the event, highlighted the strong partnership between Kuwait and China, noting the historical friendship and the shared commitment to expanding bilateral relations. He also emphasized China’s support for Kuwait’s strategy of transforming the country into a global financial and commercial center. The discussions included China's readiness to work alongside Kuwaiti government agencies to promote sustainable growth and attract direct investments, with the goal of further boosting the country’s production and export capacities.

Hayat added that China will continue to send high-level technical delegations to Kuwait to engage in discussions and support the implementation of the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project, further strengthening the longstanding partnership between the two nations.