Kuwait city: Upgrading Kuwait's capital markets is a national priority in the path of the state's efforts aiming to enhance entrepreneurship and investment environment, Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Al-Ajil said on Saturday in a statement to KUNA. The ministry is working with its partners at the Capital Markets Authority (CAM), Boursa Kuwait and Kuwait Clearing Company (KCC) to start a new period of modernization and organization that aims to boost market and allures investors, he added after a meeting he held at the CAM, with the participation of some bodies to discuss how to develop CAM system. According to Kuwait News Agency, modern indicators refer to noticeable improvement in capital market's performance as foreign investors' trading rose to 27 percent in 2024, thus showing growing trust of international capitals at local market, he noted. Market value has grown by nearly 30 percent over the past two years, while traded liquidity has increased by more than 85 percent since 2023 - a clear ind ication of the expanding investor base and the market's greater openness to foreign investments, the minister pointed out. This positive performance is attributed to technical and regulatory reforms led by the CAM, in cooperation with the concerned bodies, to develop market in line with the highest standards of transparency and governance, he noted. The minister underlined that the coming phase will witness greater coordination between regulatory and operational bodies to enhance transparency, governance, and improve investor experience. "We are working to build a modern financial market based on transparency and fairness, aligned with global economic transformations, and positioning Kuwait as a leading market in the region," he stressed. The meeting discussed a number of development proposals aimed at strengthening the position of Boursa Kuwait and enhancing its competitive efficiency. It was agreed to prepare a joint implementation plan that includes practical initiatives to improve market performance and develop its technical and regulatory infrastructure. The meeting included Chairman of CMA's Board of Commissioners Emad Al-Tifoni, and Chairman of Board of Directors at Boursa Kuwait Bader Al-Kharafi, CEO of Boursa Kuwait Mohammd Al-Osaimi, and Chairman of KCC Fahad Al-Mukhaizeem. Boursa Kuwait is the first organized market in the Gulf region that has formed over the last decades a pivotal platform in funding projects and national companies. It has contributed to boosting Kuwait's status in the region.
