KUWAIT: Information and Youth Affairs Minister Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud Al-Sabah meets with Board Chairman of the National Fund for Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Development Dr Mohammad Al-Zuhair. — KUNA

KUWAIT: The events and activities of the 'Kuwait Capital of Islamic Culture 2016' are seeking to promote Kuwait's reputation, both at home and overseas, said Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah yesterday.

Sheikh Salman, who is also chairman of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), made the statement after he presided over the fifth meeting of the committee tasked with the planning, supervision and coordination of the 'Kuwait Capital of Islamic Culture 2016' celebrations.

The meeting reviewed a host of distinguished proposals and views for the concluding event of the celebrations, offered by the special consultation committee, Sheikh Salman said. He urged fast efforts for the implementation of the celebrations agenda till the end of the year.

The minister said that they had also followed up what was achieved of the recommendations of the fourth meeting, regarding the coordination among the state institutions, ministries and other bodies for the "Kuwait Capital of Islamic Culture 2016" events and activities.

Sheik Salman pointed to a MoU between the NCCAL and the governorates for a host of activities, and cooperation with the Ministry of Information to produce a documentary of the year-long celebrations. This also includes activities carried out in coordination with the Ministry of Justice and Awqaf and Islamic Affairs during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

SMEs

In other news, Sheikh Salman said that small and medium enterprises constitute some of the main pillars for economies, namely that of the State Kuwait, at the global level. The Ministry of Information said in a statement released yesterday that Sheikh Salman underlined the key role for such projects during a meeting with the Board Chairman of the National Fund for Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Development, Dr Mohammad Al-Zuhair, the Acting General Director of the Kuwait Central Statistics Bureau Mona Al-Daas and the executive manager in the executive sector, Meshari Al-Mahmoud.

Minister Sheikh Salman, during the meeting, examined tasks that have been accomplished by a joint committee tasked with scanning all economic installations in the country as a prelude to devising plans for shoring up the national economy. The State of Kuwait devotes special attention to SMEs, and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah has launched a special fund to finance such projects, with aim of encouraging the youth launch private businesses. - KUNA