Kuwait

General Overview

Population:

2,418,393 (July 2006 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity):

US$44.77 billion (2005 est.)

GDP per capita:

US$19,200 (2005 est.)

GDP (real growth rate):

4.8% (2005 est.)

Industries:

petroleum, petrochemicals, cement, shipbuilding and repair, desalination, food processing, construction materials

Imports:

US$12.23 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)

Import commodities:

food, construction materials, vehicles and parts, clothing

Exports:

US$44.43 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)

Export commodities:

oil and refined products, fertilizers

Alberta's export to Kuwait:

CAN$40 million (2005)

Alberta's main exports to Kuwait:

oil and gas field machinery, barley, potatoes, canola oil, mechanical appliances

Canada's main exports to Kuwait:

oil and gas field machinery, transportation equipment, barley, dairy products, paper and potatoes

For detailed information about Kuwait, the following websites provide economic, political and historical information:

CIA World Factbook
Energy Information Administration, U.S. Department of Energy

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Export Statistics

For detailed statistical information on Alberta and Canadian exports to Kuwait, consult the following statistical publications and databases:

Alberta's International Trade Review
An analysis of Alberta's international exports of goods and services. Published by Alberta Employment, Immigration & Industry.
Trade Data Online
Customized reports on Canada's trade with over 200 countries.

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Sector Opportunities

Alberta International Marketing Strategy (AIMS)

Ensures the Alberta government's trade promotion and investment attraction activities are focused on key international markets.

According to AIMS, Kuwait has been identified as a priority market in the following sectors:
- Architecture, Engineering and Construction
- Energy
- Industrial Machinery and Equipment
Building and Construction Products

Demand for building materials in the Kuwaiti market is volatile, and controlled by the Government of Kuwait.

There are no restrictions on building materials imports to Kuwait. The government is also undertaking construction projects in other sectors. Currently, only high-priority projects are being carried out.

Opportunities for Alberta businesses exist in supplying tubes and pipes, chemicals and additives, glass, nails, screws and nuts, sanitary ware parts (metal and plastic), dyes, paints and solvents, timber, doors of aluminum and steel, and specialty materials.

Prospects for continued growth in domestic construction offer interesting possibilities for foreign suppliers of wood products, cabinetry, plumbing supplies and furniture. The Canadian share is small but increasing with aggressive marketing policies by a greater number of firms.
Oil and Gas Equipment

The Kuwaiti constitution forbids foreign ownership of Kuwait's mineral and oil resources; however, the Kuwaiti government is moving toward allowing foreign investment in upstream oil development. Since Kuwait aspires to significantly increase its production capacity, potential exists for foreign investors to facilitate the increase. The potential investment fields are located in northern and western Kuwait, including Rawdaitain, Sabriyah, Ratqa, Bahra, Minagish, and Umm Gudair.

In addition, Kuwait produces a great quantity of crude oil and expects to increase the production. The oil is pumped to gathering centers, farm tanks and to refineries and exporting terminals through a huge network of pipes.

Kuwait imports all of the equipment that it uses in its exploration, drilling, production and development of oil. The principal companies in the industry are the Kuwait Oil Company, Kuwait National Petroleum Company, and the Petrochemical Industries Corporation.

New equipment will be required for the upgrading of the petroleum infrastructure. There will also be a need for service companies and training components as the Kuwaitis try to upgrade their staff to keep pace with the infrastructure.
Transportation Equipment

The majority of automobiles in Kuwait are more than four years old. Harsh weather conditions, the poor after-sale service, high accident rates, poor maintenance, and bad driving habits create a large demand for automobiles parts and service equipment. These same factors also cause tires to deteriorate quickly, creating demand for a large quantity of tires every year.

For additional information on business opportunities and resources for market intelligence, visit:

Export Source - Market and Business Opportunities
Online tool for new and experienced exporters.
Virtual Trade Commissioner
Gateway to market information.

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Exporting Your Products - Services for Exporters

Export Alert!
A resource for exporters to learn about changes in foreign export regulations.
Exporter Needs Continuum
Lists services that can benefit your company and who offers them.
Export Resources
Resources for both new and experienced exporters.
International Trade Canada
Sector reports as well as a list of staff contacts that can assist exporters.