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	Kuwait		Info-Prod Country Guide
CHARACTERISTICS   INDICATORS   THE ECONOMY   INVESTMENT ISSUES   PROJECTS   PROSPECTS

Investment Issues Privatization Kuwait’s privatization program began in 1993. In 1994, the Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) established a fund that would allow investors to buy into its holdings. Since that time, its shares in the Kuwait Land Transport Co., the Commercial Facilities Co., the National Industries Co. and the Kuwait Investment Project Co. have all been introduce successfully to the market. KIA’s long-term goal is the sale of some 90 percent of its US$ 2.64 billion holdings in sixty-two companies. Other sectors such as health care, telecommunications, tourism, electric power and airlines are government-run but are intended to be privatized in the coming years. As of mid-1997, the Kuwaiti government had successfully sold its holdings in sixteen private firms, but its privatization of government entities has been slower. In June 1997, the Kuwaiti National Assembly considered legislation which would establish a framework for privatizing public utilities. Stock Exchange The Kuwaiti Stock Exchange (KSE) was reopened after the Iraqi invasion. Presently, the KSE lists stocks of sixty-five Kuwaiti companies, ten companies from other Gulf states and Kuwaiti mutual funds. Foreigners are not allowed to trade in Kuwaiti stocks on the Kuwaiti stock exchange except through mutual funds. Previous Chapter Contents Menu Next Chapter

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