There is much talk these days about an economic and financial reform plan in Kuwait. The proposed plan was prepared by the Committee of Economic Affairs in the Cabinet, and includes six factors and 41 programs, including short-term and medium-term ones. So far, the Cabinet has blessed this move despite a number of reservations.

This step is occurring at a time when the world is experiencing fluctuations in oil prices, as well as a lot of political and sectarian conflicts.

The reform plan includes several topics. On top comes the increase of non-oil revenues, rationalization of public spending in order to reduce the budget deficit, and fiscal sustainability. Also, it includes redrawing the state's role in the economy so that it can gradually move out of production, and increasing the role of the private sector in economic activity. Another chapter is dedicated to the 'activation of citizens' participation' by up to 40 percent through the privatization of projects, and partnership between the public and private sectors.

The plan also calls for the need to reform the labor market and the civil service system in order to implement justice between workers, improve job performance, and increase the public sector's efficiency by linking pay to productivity while maintaining stability of the standard of living.

Administrative and institutional reform was also mentioned in the plan. This can happen by raising the efficiency of public administration and financial management.

The Cabinet had praised the efforts of preparing the plan and the policy of the Central Bank of Kuwait to preserve the strength of the Kuwaiti dinars.

For those who do not understand how we in Kuwait maintain the power of the currency, the answer is simple. The Kuwaiti dinar's exchange rate is based on linking the dinar with a basket of key global currencies. This is the basic framework of the Central Bank of Kuwait's rate policy.

I think that the government seems to favor the proposed plan. However, the plan is not just a series good wishes or laws. It should be transformed into steps that are implemented to overcome such key problems as administrative corruption, nepotism and demographic imbalance.

I agree with the government and parliament's approval of the integrated project of economic reform. The Kuwaiti citizen must be a key partner in the Kuwaiti economy.

Some observers commented on the project, saying that it needs to be associated with political reform in order to reach a comprehensive reform. I think lowering the age of the voters to 18 years instead of 21 would have positive impacts that could serve efforts which lead to sustainable development. I believe any reform plan has to focus on the importance of human development. I also wish to see an expanded participation of female and Christian citizens in the cabinet and parliament. This would eventually help transform the parliament into a real base for legislation for all Kuwaitis regardless of their race, gender or religion.

In Kuwait, we have an expatriate majority that must be put into consideration in the reform process, and that means reviewing and repairing current laws related to visa, employment, salaries and how to encourage foreign investments.

We need to a comprehensive plan which keeps everyone, citizens and expats, as partners, and not spectators of the reform process. Actions can be louder than words. Until this happens, this plan will be a good wish, and all opinions must be taken into account.

By Muna Al-Fuzai

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