Labor city, airport expansion, new hospitals among key PPP projects

KUWAIT: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah delivers his speech during yesterday’s parliament session. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat

KUWAIT: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah yesterday briefed the newly-elected MPs on the guidelines on the second economic development plan (2016-20). In his speech to the first regular session of the 15th legislative term of the National Assembly in the presence of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak said the plan includes measures to revitalize the economic growth, promote the role of the private sector and attract more foreign investment.

"Some of the mega projects, listed in the economic development plan, will be implemented solely by government institutions and others that will be implemented through public-private partnerships (PPP)," he said.

"These include the Khairan power station, the waste treatment plants, the labor city in south Jahra, the south Mutlaa' city, the expansions of Kuwait International Airport, the new university, and a number of hospitals. "The planned projects in the oil industry include Al-Zour Refinery and the subsidiary plants, and the environment-friendly fuel project," His Highness the Prime Minister said.

Competitive edge

"Besides these high-value-added projects that will enhance the country's competitive edge in the petrochemical industry, the government is working on a range of draft economic legislations and is looking forward to cooperating with your honorable Assembly to pass them as early as possible," he went on.

His Highness the Prime Minister thanked His Highness the Amir for renewing his mandate and the trust placed in him and in the new members of his cabinet at this important juncture in the history of Kuwait. He congratulated the new MPs on winning the confidence of the people who entrusted them with the responsibility to serve the national interests to realize the aspirations of the citizens.

"The government has always been keen on maintaining a positive relationship with the National Assembly so as to reach the desired targets in all fields in the framework of the relevant provisions of the Constitution, the Assembly's statutes, and the sound parliamentary practices," he affirmed.

"In keeping with Article 98 of the Constitution, the government is bound to present to your honorable Assembly its detailed agenda for the coming years soon after finalizing the document. The envisaged agenda aims to address the main challenges and the issues of common concern for the public through a radical approach. We now face the big challenges of putting Kuwait on par with the advanced economies on international rating indices, restructuring the state budget, diversifying the productive base, and activating the financial and economic reforms," he went on.

Human development

His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak also highlighted the need to focus on human development through modernization of education in keeping with the needs of economic development and leveraging the e-government applications which will impact positively on cutting the red tape and enhancing transparency.

Recalling his oath of office before His Highness the Amir, His Highness the Prime Minister renewed the vow to translate into action the vision of His Highness the Amir for reviving the economy, meeting the needs of the citizens in such areas as education, health and housing, and caring for the youth.

He noted that all these issues are a top priority for both executive and legislative authorities. He voiced hope that the Assembly will assume its supervisory role, fair accountability and absolute transparency in backing the government to reach the common goal of serving "our dear homeland."

On the regional political, security and economic developments, His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak said the complicated changes require that the government and the Assembly combine forces to implement the wise instructions of His Highness the Amir, who warned against such serious threats, in order to maintain the security and stability of the country. - KUNA