THE region is headed towards a bright economic future, as the world is changing. Neighboring nations have long since developed significant and cutting-edge infrastructure in preparation for this, particularly in terms of updated and developed laws.

Without a doubt, Kuwait should not be exempted from any of this. Has it done that? This question is for the Minister of Commerce if he wants foreign and Arab investors to come to us and even to enhance local investments. He must also answer others' questions: How can investors approach us when we create unattainable requirements? How can an investor continue to be dependent on a BOT system that is based on naiveté? Rather, it repels everyone who seeks to invest his capital in Kuwait -- whether a citizen or a foreigner. How can someone build his factory or workshop or engage in any activity, and be reassured about his money, while there is a sword hanging over his neck in terms of a different investment law?

In other words, all over the world, the ‘Build, Operate and Transfer’ Law has been implemented for 49 years or more, except in Kuwait, where the Ministry of Commerce has set it at two years as if it is telling people: “We do not want you to invest with us.” This is in addition to the judicial police on factories -- we all know the game of jealousy and self-interest in this regard. How can the investor ensure that his plant will not close because a worker did not like how the manager treated him? It is common knowledge that industrial investment is the foundation of a successful economy, but in our case, the opposite is true. Entrepreneurs, industrialists, and all companies demand that their activities be allowed to increase. In response to this, they are permitted to construct housing for workers close to the factory, but the Municipality, Commerce, and several ministries prevent this from happening.

Everyone is aware of the problems that arose during the Corona pandemic the disruption of manufacturing and supply chains, the costly import crisis, and corruption in this regard. Without a doubt, this is due to the lack of awareness of what serves Kuwait and its strategic interests and how to enhance the national product that is increasingly shrinking due to the improvised laws and decisions that have closed the country for about 20 years.

Therefore, the investor will not be reassured by this situation. This does not enhance the economic movement in the country or put us on par with neighboring countries.

There are flimsy reasons that control this matter. Compared to what happened in neighboring countries, we will find that we are far behind others in the Gulf Cooperation Council. Kuwait imports everything from abroad, even cleaning materials, tissue paper, and many others. This undoubtedly raises the financial bill to a large extent and increases the burdens on consumer citizens, so officials must pay attention to this large deficit. It is very shameful to call for strengthening partnerships with the private sector. For about four decades, the country has lacked any new contracts under the BOT system, and if there are some, they do not exceed the number of fingers on two hands.

This is despite the work programs of successive governments and the statements of officials about allowing the private sector to develop the national economy and support the public sector. Today, the Ministry of Commerce and the Council of Ministers have all the capabilities to develop laws and get rid of shortsightedness, so that Kuwait possesses industrial strength. Through its strategic location, it should transform into a regional window for investors, whoever that may be, as this opportunity is not illusive and it must be seized as soon as possible. Minister of Commerce, when an industrial institution prospers, your devices follow to damage it rather than to advance and benefit from it. This is because your institutions are enshrouded in legislation, which discourages and repel investment and industry