14 June, 2015: Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA) represented by Sheikh Dr. Meshaal Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah, and Ms. Reem Al Shaya, Head of International Agreements Section, participated as part of the Kuwaiti delegation headed by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr. Khalid Al Jarallah, in the sixth meeting of the Kuwait-UK Joint Steering Group held in London during the period June 9-10, 2015. The participants were divided into various sub-groups tackling areas of mutual interest including healthcare, higher education, energy, defense & security, trade & investment. KDIPA Director General headed the Trade & Investment sub-group meeting , with representatives from Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Ministry of Finance, Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA), and the Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Planning & Development, whereas the British delegation was headed by Baroness Morris of Bolton, and joined by representatives from UKTI and Kuwait British Business Centre (KBBC). Several issues were discussed including re-affirming commitment to increase bilateral trade to the £4 billion threshold, encouraging British investors in Kuwait, organizing a high level trade delegation to Kuwait, supporting Kuwait first Trade Fair under the theme “Kuwait the World’s Commercial Heart ” planned for February 2016. The sub-group participants also discussed intellectual property rights, exchange of information and expertise, supporting public finance in Kuwait, raising awareness of legislations regarding property ownership in UK, and facilitating granting British visa. On the other hand, the issue of the bilateral agreement for the protection and encouragement of investments, which Kuwait signed, was brought to be under the British side consideration. The Group concluded the deliberations signing an action plan that will cover the upcoming 6 months till the seventh meeting that will be held in Kuwait City. The Kuwait-UK Steering Group was established after the state visit of HH Emir of Kuwait to UK in November 2012, to culminate the significance of the historical and strategic relations between both countries.
