KUWAIT: The US Embassy in Kuwait launched its pilot Digital Transformation Showcase on Tuesday at the Radisson Blu Hotel, where four American technology companies pitched their latest innovations and services virtually to different Kuwait-based firms. The in-person audience included representatives from telecoms, banking, government, and education, among other key players in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector.

"This pilot showcase exemplifies the embassy's ongoing efforts to sustain robust commercial ties between our two countries, especially in light of a pandemic that has only accelerated the need for digital transformation across the board," US Chargé d'Affaires James Holtsnider said.

US Chargé d'Affaires James Holtsnider speaks during the event.

Holtsnider kicked off the showcase following a networking reception. Attendees - ranging from chief technology officers to government officials and university presidents - then tuned into a series of virtual presentations by American tech companies Explorance Inc, Forward Slope, MLTwist, and Truststamp: all major service providers in artificial intelligence, big data, cybersecurity, and other advanced technologies.

"Investing in cutting-edge technology is fundamental to competing in an increasingly digital world. These four companies represent some of the best examples of US innovation and technology services that cut across all sectors of the Kuwaiti economy including cybersecurity, financial services, education, and oil and gas," the US diplomat added. Advanced technologies will likely be the main drivers of ICT spending in Kuwait over the next few years, with technologies that facilitate digital transformation projected to exhibit the fastest growth.

"Kuwait's recent removal from the United States Trade Representative's Special 301 watchlist also shows that Kuwaitis are serious about intellectual property and want to choose high-quality, secure solutions from trusted companies," Holtsnider pointed out. "This will encourage more tech companies to come to Kuwait. The US Embassy is here to help.”