Country Profile

As a major global oil producer, Kuwait has come a long way in recent decades to overcome several key financial and political challenges. By continuing with efforts to diversify the national economy and reduce dependence on oil revenues, the country is also adding increased momentum to several large infrastructure projects. The authorities are also working to further integrate the country into the global economy in order to meet the needs of the growing population. This chapter contains interviews with Emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah; Sheikh Jaber Al Mubarak Al Hamad Al Sabah, Prime Minister of Kuwait; Lim Hng Kiang, Singapore Minister for Trade and Industry; Pham Binh Minh, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Foreign Affairs for Vietnam; and a viewpoint from Christine Lagarde, Managing Director, IMF.