10/6/2014
Visiting Minister H.E. Ms. Al-Sabeeh, Japanese Lawmakers Discuss Cooperation on Development Plan

OKYO, Oct 6 (KUNA) - Kuwaiti Minister of State for Development and Planning Affairs and Minister of Social Affairs and Labour Hind Al-Sabeeh and Japanese members of the Kuwait-Japan Parliamentary Friendship League on Monday shared the view that their countries should strengthen cooperation on Kuwait's new development plan.

At the meeting in Tokyo, Al-Sabeeh sought Japan to send experts for the smooth execution of the Kuwait Development Plan for 2015-2020, which was recently submitted to parliament. "Japan had already sent experts to Kuwait for three weeks when we drew up the development plan. I hope your country will also send us experts in the execution phase of the plan. Furthermore, we expect Japan's assistance for the drafting of the future development plan," the minister said, adding that cooperation between chambers of commerce of the two countries is also essential.

The 2015-2020 Kuwait Development Plan, announced in August, will include the construction of a metro project and a rail project linking the five partners of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) -- Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.

Among other projects are construction of a new terminal at Kuwait International Airport, a media city and 50,000 housing units, further development of power generation and Al Zour refinery, as well as expansion of the sewage network and a solid waste treatment facility. The Japanese companies are involved in a clean fuels project at the Mina Al Ahmadi refinery and a renewable energy project.

For her part, Chairwoman of the Japanese side of the Japan-Kuwait Parliamentary Friendship League Yuriko Koike underlined Japan's advanced metro network and sophisticated computerized traffic system, in addition to experiences in environmental projects.

Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) and Kuwait TV after the meeting, Al-Sabeeh said the Kuwaiti side is expecting wider cooperation from the Japanese side and receiving experts for the success of the upcoming development plan, in which the private sector are expected to play a bigger role.

Koike said the current visit of the Kuwaiti minister helped the two countries enhance bilateral ties. The meeting was also attended by Kuwaiti Ambassador to Japan Abdulrahman Al-Otaibi. (end)
By Miyoko Ishigami (with photos)