Country Profile

Estimated to possess some 6% of the world’s proven oil reserves, Kuwait’s oil and gas industry promises to play a critical role in the economy for years to come. The nation is not however resting on this alone, and it is now pursuing a programme of economic diversification that is set to re-energise the private sector. The Kuwait Development Plan is a $107bn, 20-year programme aimed at achieving this goal and is well under way, with new transport networks, upgraded infrastructure, increased oil production and improved services all coming under the remit of its work. This chapter contains viewpoints from Emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah; and David Cameron, UK Prime Minister. It also includes an interview with Péter Szijjártó, Hungarian State Secretary for Foreign Affairs and External Economic Relations.