Kuwait is well-positioned to become the leading transport hub for the northern Gulf and particularly for the Iraqi market, Chairman and Managing Director of Agilty Tarek Sultan told the MEED Kuwait Energy & Infrastructure Projects 2011 conference this morning.

“Iraq is attracting considerable attention and is at a critical stage in its development,” Sultan said.
“Boubiyan Isand is a potenmtial corridor for goods from across the world into Iraq. But we need a consistent strategy make Kuwait a good place to live and work for businesses that are focused on Iraq.”

“Kuwait is now somewhat lagging behind other GCC states in developing its transport infrastructure but we started ahead of the rest,” Sultan said. “Most of the infrastructure is in place but we need simple changes — like in visa arrangements and allowing Iraqi business people to operate from Kuwait.”

“The primary focus neds to be on simple and easy things to facilitate business with Iraq,” Sultan said “The secondary issue is to use earmarked investments of more than $23 billion and move ahead on planned transport infrastructure projects without delay.”

The MEED Kuwait Energy & Infrastructure conference has been organised with KPC as supporting partner. NBK is strategic partner. Agility and Gulf Investment Corporation are silver sponsors; bronze sponsors are ABB, Al Tamimi & Company and Gulf Bank. Mashreq, Drake & Scull and Mushrif Trading & Contracting Company are lunch sponsors. The conference sponsor is Ducab. Hill International; Pitchmastic Middle East, Tekneen District Cooling & Utilities and WorleyParsons are exhibitors.