Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have established their first joint private business body, the Saudi-Kuwaiti Business Council, in a strategic move to stimulate cross-border investment and enhance bilateral trade between the two GCC nations. The initiative was announced by the respective chambers of commerce, led by the Federation of Saudi Chambers, following the council’s inaugural meeting in Saudi Arabia.
Addressing the Investment Imbalance
While trade between the two neighbouring countries remains robust, direct investment has not kept pace. In the first 11 months of 2025, two-way trade reached approximately $2.5 billion.
However, the flow is largely one-directional, with Saudi Arabia’s exports to Kuwait accounting for $2.1 billion of the total, compared to $400 million in Kuwaiti exports to the Kingdom. The new council is tasked with creating a more balanced economic relationship by identifying and facilitating investment opportunities.
A Pivotal Moment for Bilateral Ties
Salman Al-Aqeel, chairman of the new council and head of the Saudi Hafar Al-Batin chamber, highlighted the significance of the new organization.
“The formation of the Saudi-Kuwaiti business council represents a pivotal moment in the economic relations between the two countries,” Al-Aqeel stated. “It embodies a real approach to empowering the business sectors in both countries to capitalise on promising investment opportunities and strengthen bilateral trade and investment.”
Aligning with Vision 2030
This partnership aligns directly with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 economic transformation plan. Bandar Al-Khorayef, the Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, recently invited Kuwaiti companies to invest in the Kingdom’s rapidly growing sectors.
At an investment forum in Kuwait City, Al-Khorayef noted that the Kingdom is focusing on developing 12 key industries, including metals, automotive, and aviation, presenting significant opportunities for Kuwaiti investors and businesses looking to expand.
About the Saudi-Kuwaiti Business Council
The Saudi-Kuwaiti Business Council is a joint private-sector body established by the chambers of commerce in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Its primary objective is to promote and facilitate cross-border investment and increase bilateral trade between the two countries, empowering businesses to capitalize on shared economic opportunities.
Source: AGBI
