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Embassy of India Kuwait

***** No. KUW/COM/201/1/2016 11December 2016

MONTHLY ECONOMIC & COMMERCIAL REPORT FOR NOVEMBER 2016 OVERVIEW

The elections to the 50 seats of the Kuwaiti National Assembly (Parliament) were successfully held on 26 November and results were also declared the same evening. The opposition and its allies won nearly half of the 50 seats.The interim Cabinet tendered its resignation on 30 November. The Amir re-appointed the incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah as head of the new Government on the same day. The Amir also issued a decree calling for the new Assembly to hold its inaugural session on 11 December 2016 after forming the new Government. 2. On 9 November, the Amir announced that DNA testing will be applicable to only convicted felons and not ordinary citizens. Kuwait will reportedly issue sovereign bonds worth KD 3 billion (US$ 9.91 billion) in international markets early next year to finance the budget deficit which is projected at US$ 29 billion for current fiscal year. FDI in Kuwait for fiscal year 2015-16 reached KD 637 million (US$ 2.1 billion). Kuwait has signed an international treaty that obliges local banks to notify the countries of their expat customers with banking information similar to the US‟FATCA. The government is reportedly planning to impose 5% tax on remittances by expatriates out of Kuwait and to impose 10% tax on companies as part of their plan to reduce budget deficit due to the low oil prices. 3. On the bilateral front, the 3rdround of India-Kuwait Foreign Office Consultations were held in New Delhi on 16 November. A 3-member delegation from the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India participated in the 8th India-Kuwait Joint Seminar on “Role of Supreme Audit Institutions in Good Governance” held from 7-10 November in Kuwait and also signed an MOU with the State Audit Bureau of Kuwait.As per the latest statistics, the number of Indian nationals in Kuwait reached 921,666 as of 11 October 2016.

4. On the external front, while the Amir attended COP-22 meeting in Marrakesh and participated at the 4th Arab-Africa Summit held in Equatorial Guinea, First Dy.PM and Foreign Minister visited Saudi Arabia & Morocco, Finance Minister and Acting Minister of Oil attended the OPEC meeting in Vienna and also visited Tunisia, Minister of Commerce and Industry visited Turkey, Minister of Social Affairs & Labour visited Saudi Arabia, Dy. Foreign Minister visited Ukraine & Poland; President of the Swiss Confederation, Dy. PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Yemen, Culture & Information Minister of Sudan, Dy. Interior Minister of Bahrain visited Kuwait during the month. I. Economic Indicators 1. Inflation: The rate of inflation in Kuwait in October 2016 was 3.6% compared to October 2015. 2. Economy: As per the IMF projections, Kuwait‟s non oil GDP is expected to grow by 3% in 2017 and 4% thereafter and inflation is expected to reach 4% in 2017.

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3. Foreign Bonds: Kuwait‟sFinance Minister Anas Al-Saleh announced that Kuwait will issue sovereign bonds worth KD 3 billion (US$ 9.91 billion) in international markets early next year to finance the budget deficit which is projected at US$ 29 billion for current fiscal year. 4. Banking: As reported on 30 November, Kuwait has signed an international treaty that obliges local banks to notify the countries of their expat customers with banking information similar to the US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). 5. FDI: As reported on 20 November, FDI in Kuwait for fiscal year 2015-16 reached KD 637 million (US$ 2.1 billion) through the introduction of 15 international firms in the Kuwaiti market. 6. VAT: The Tax Department in the Ministry of Finance of Kuwait announced on 28 November that it will be increasing its staff two fold from around 300 to 600 as Kuwait implements VAT. Kuwait is expected to earn about KD 450 million (US$ 1.4 billion) from the first year of implementing tax. 7. Kuwait Projects: The National Bank of Kuwait reported that Kuwait awarded contracts worth KD 1 billion (US$ 3.4 billion) in 3Q16 bringing the total value of contracts to KD 3.6 billion (US$ 12 billion) until September 2016. Another KD 2.3 billion (US$ 7.7 billion) worth of contracts are expected before year end, 2016. The report also showed the value of Kuwait‟s project market at KD 75.1 billion (US$ 247 billion). The report stated that the oil and gas sector was boosted due to contracts assigned by Kuwait Oil Company for its Jurassic Non-Associated Gas Reserves Project which were awarded to local firm Spetco International Petroleum Company and US firm Schlumberger amounting to KD 228 million (US$ 758 million). 8. Kuwait Airways: Kuwait Airways participated in the World Travel Market event held in London from 7-9 November to promote its new livery and 5 year transformation strategy. 9. Indian Nationals: The number of Indian nationals in Kuwait reached 921,666 as of 11 October 2016 according to data released by General Department of Residency, Kuwait. 10. Tariffs: The Ministry of Water and Electricity concluded the executive regulations for the new electricity and water tariffs. The new tariffs will come into effect for trade and investment sectors from 22 May 2017, official sector beginning November 2017 while industrial, agriculture, and other sectors from 22 February 2018. 11. Taxes& Privatization:The Kuwaiti Government reportedly intends to impose 5% tax on remittances of expats and 10% on companies‟ profits and privatize the healthcare and education system. A special Ministerial Committee in this regards has prepared an agenda which will be presented by the new Cabinet. According to media sources, health sector‟s privatization is inevitable and that hospital management would be offered to international specialized companies. 12. KAPP: As reported on 28 November, Motlaq Al-Sanei GM of Kuwait Authority for Partnerships Projects (KAPP) said that four projects for Public-Private Partnerships worth US$ 6 billion were under technical evaluation. He also said that Kuwait was a very attractive market for PPP investments due to tax exemptions.

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13. Surveys and Rankings: As per World Bank‟s “Doing Business Report” for 2016, Kuwait was ranked sixth amongst 190 nations as one of the World‟s most tax-friendly business environments. (ii) The Credit Suisse Research Institute (CSRI) published its seventh annual Global Wealth Report. According to the report total global wealth in 2016 reached US$ 256 trillion. Kuwait came fourth in the MENA region with total wealth amounting to US$ 288 billion. 14. Foreign Investments: On 10 November, Director Gen of Kuwait Municipality Engineer Ahmad Al-Manfouhi announced that foreign companies and investors may soon be allowed to own investments and open branches in Kuwait without a local agent. An international consultant was carrying out a study to identify financial centers in Kuwait where foreign investors can own investments. 15. KCB: According to statistics released by Kuwait Credit Bank (KCB) on 5 November, the bank issued 651 loans in October 2016 worth KD 26 million (US$ 85.8 million). 16. Exchange rates: The exchange rates between Kuwaiti Dinar and Indian Rupee/$ during November 2016 were as follows:

Date KD/Rs.1000 $1000= KD

November 3 4.52 302.55

November 4 4.51 302.25

November 7 4.53 301.50

November 15 4.48 303.65

November 22 4.44 304.80

November 28 4.44 305.00

17. Crude Oil: Kuwait Crude Oil Prices during November 2016 were as follows:

Date Per barrel(US $)

November 1 44.51

November 8 40.45

November 9 40.20

November 11 40.03

November 15 40.03

November 18 40.56

November 22 43.56

18.Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE): The price index of KSE fluctuated as follows during November 2016.

Date Price Index

November 3 5,407.67

November 7 5,439.18

November 10 5,455.91

November 16 5,491.30

November 23 5,515.41

November 27 5,517.38

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II. MAJOR INVESTMENTS WITHIN AND OUTSIDE THE COUNTRY/ RELATED AGREEMENTS SIGNED / OTHER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS Oil, Gas and Petrochemicals 1. KPC: As reported on 4 November, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) agreed to sell gasoil and jet fuel under long term contracts for 2017 at half the premium compared to 2016. KPC finalized its contract to sell 500ppm Sulphur gasoil at a premium of 60 cents a barrel to buyers Royal Dutch Shell, British Petroleum and Total. Jet fuel will be sold at a premium of 90-95 cents to buyers Shell, British Petroleum Total and Emirates National Oil Company. (ii) As reported on 12 November, KPC revived a 2007 proposal to restructure the oil sector that involved merging four major companies under KPC – Kuwait Oil Company, Kuwait National Petroleum Company, Integrated Petroleum Industries and Kuwait Petrochemical Industry. (iii) KPC in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance has decided to grant license to the private sector to build 250 fuel stations as part of a development plan. 2. KNPC: On 9 November, Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) participated in the Sustainable Built Environment Conference held in Doha, Qatar. KNPC also presented a research paper on the petroleum sectors role in widening the use of renewable energy. Separately, it was reported that KNPC plans to offer 120 gas stations to bidders in less than seven years. 3. Azzour Power Plant: Kuwait‟s first Public-Private Partnership project (PPP) Azzour North One power plant and water plant began its commercial operations on 29 November. The plant is expected to generate 10% of Kuwait‟s power requirements and 20% of water needs. The project cost KD 519 million (US$ 1.7 billion). 4. Kerui Petroleum: As reported on 23 November, Kerui Petroleum, China has obtained a membrane nitrogen stimulation contract in Kuwait. It will be the first membrane nitrogen generation services provider in Kuwait. Construction, Infrastructure & Aviation 1. MPW: On 6 November, The Ministry of Public Works (MPW) signed a contract worth KD 97.7 million (US$ 322 million) for work on sewerage system. 2. KAPP:On 7 November, Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects (KAPP) reportedly signed a contract with public and private sectors and a group of companies headed by „Projacs‟ to provide special advisory for the South Al-Jahra Labor city project in Kuwait. Separately, it was reported that KAPP is scheduled for offering railway projects tender for public bidding during the first half of 2017 and another tender to build the Khairan power and water desalination plant in Kuwait by end of 2016. 3. KAC: Kuwait airways announced on 13 November, that it had successfully acquired commercial registration to operate flights independently in Turkey. 4. Contract: As reported on 25 November, Minister of Electricity and Water and Minister of Public Works and Acting Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, Ahmad Al-

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Jassar signed a contract worth KD 66.68 million (US$ 220 million) that will cover the completion, and maintenance of the existing part of the 7th Road in Kuwait. III. MAJOR ECONOMIC & COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS WITH OTHER COUNTRIES, INCLUDING TRADING AGREEMENTS PROPOSED/ FINALIZED INDIA-BILATERAL 1. FOCs: The 3rd round of India-Kuwait Foreign Office Consultations were held in New Delhi on 16 November. The Kuwaiti delegation was led by Assistant Foreign Minister Mr. Ali Al-Saeed and also included Ambassador of Kuwait to India Fahad Ahmad Al-Awadi. In addition to bilateral political and regional issues, the main focus was on labour and Consular related issues along with the commitment to explore avenues for investment and enhancement of trade between the two countries. The Kuwaiti delegation met Secretary(ER) on 17 November. 2. Seminar: A 3-member delegation led by Shri Ashwini Attri, Additional Deputy Comptroller & Auditor General (Southern Region), Office of the Comptroller & Auditor General of India, New Delhi visited Kuwait to participate in the 8th Indo-Kuwait Joint Seminar on “Role of SAIs in Good Governance” being held from 7-10 November 2016. On 7 November 2016, the Office of the Comptroller & Auditor General of India and State Audit Bureau of Kuwait signed an MOU with the aim to, inter alia, encourage mutual cooperation in the fields of audit activities, developing professional skills of the staff members of the two parties and coordinating their efforts in regional and international meetings. 3. Meeting: Following the holding of 3rd FOC in New Delhi, our Ambassador met the Kuwaiti Asst. Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs in his office on 26 November. AFM thanked the Ambassador for the hospitality and facilities provided to the Kuwaiti delegation in New Delhi and informed that they had excellent meetings and discussed wide range of subjects. 4. Constitution Day: The Embassy organized the Constitution Day on the theme “Of the People, For the People and By the People” in its Embassy auditorium on 27 November. About 10 Indian schools, representatives of Indian Doctors Forum, IBPC members and Indian associations attended the event. Students from all participating schools made presentations and speeches on the above theme and books were distributed to the winners. OTHER COUNTRIES 1. Azerbaijan: On 20 November, Acting Director General of the Kuwaiti Directorate General of Civil Aviation Yusuf Al-Fawzan signed a bilateral cooperative agreement in the field of air services with Azerbaijan Airlines Chairman Jahangir Askerov in Baku, Azerbaijan. 2. Bahrain: As reported on 28 November, Bahraini Dy. Interior Minister Adel Bin Khalifa Al-Fadel visited Kuwait and met the Kuwaiti Dy. PM and Interior Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and discussed regional matters and Gulf security developments. 3. Belgium: On 3 November, Kuwait‟s Ambassador to Belgium Jasem Al-Budaiwi met Manager of the International Department, Antwerp Chamber of Commerce and Industry

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Jill Seutens and Secretary General of the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce Qaisar Hijazin and discussed bilateral ties. They also agreed upon holding an economic forum in Antwerp in 2017 to promote bilateral trade between the two countries. 4. Bosnia and Herzegovina: On 15 November, Kuwait donated a sum of KD 126, 424 (US$ 417,199) to a fitness center in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. 5. China: Kuwait‟s crude oil exports to China for October 2016 rose by 15.2% to 222,000 barrels per day compared to a year earlier. 6. Croatia: Kuwait donated KD 151,515 (US$ 500,000) for the construction of an Islamic Cultural Centre in the Croatian city of Sisak. 7. Djibouti: On 14 November, Republic of Djibouti and Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) signed a third loan agreement whereby KFAED will provide KD 23 million (US$ 78.2 million) towards financing of the Tadjoura – Balho Road Project in Djibouti. KFAED has signed 14 agreements worth KD 78.3 million (US$ 258 million) with Djibouti between 2004 and 2016. 8. Gambia: KFAED signed a loan agreement worth KD 5 million (US$ 17 million) with Gambia to finance a project for supporting basic education and secondary schools. This is the 13th loan offered to Gambia by KFAED. 9. Egypt: As reported on 15 November, Kuwait has agreed to supply 2 million barrels of crude oil per month to Egypt beginning January 2017. The crude oil will be supplied at international prices with no discounts but with a nine-month grace period. 10. Italy: On 30 November, an Italian military delegation visited Kuwait and met Kuwait‟s Dy. Army Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans Authority Maj Gen Ahmad Abdulwahab Al-Omairi and discussed enhancing bilateral military ties. 11. Japan: Kuwait‟s crude oil exports to Japan increased by 33.7% to 6.83 million barrels in September 2016 compared to same period last year. Kuwait is Japan‟s fifth biggest oil provider. 12. Oman: As reported on 10 November, Kuwait Petroleum International and Oman Oil Company signed an MOU in Muscat for cooperation in the development of Oman‟s Al-Duqm port project. The project marked Kuwait‟s foray into the international market and is expected to have energy capacity of 230,000 barrels. 13. Poland: On 7 November, Kuwaiti Dy. Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah leading an official delegation visited Warsaw and met Head of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Polish Parliament and Polish MPs for political consultations on bilateral relations. During their meeting Al-Jarallah also discussed about exempting Kuwaiti nationals from visa requirements while travelling to Schengen area and signed a reciprocal visa exemption agreement for diplomatic passport holders with Polish Foreign Ministry Undersecretary, Joanna Wronecka. 14. Sao Tome and Principe: On 21 November, KFAED signed a loan agreement worth KD 5 million (US$ 17 million) with the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe in Malabo to finance a hospital.

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15. Saudi Arabia: On 29 November, Saudi State Minister for Gulf Cooperation Council Affairs Thamber bin Sabhan Al-Sabhan visited Kuwait and met First Dy. PM and Foreign Minister and Dy. Foreign Minister. 16. Sudan: On 1 November, Sudanese Minister of Culture and Information Al-Tayyib Hassan Badawi visited Kuwait and met Kuwaiti Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Al-Sabah and discussed the importance of Kuwait-Sudanese ties in all fields. 17. Switzerland: On 10 November, Switzerland‟s Undersecretary and Director of Middle East Affairs Ambassador Wolfgang Amadeus heading a delegation consisting of senior officials from Switzerland visited Kuwait. During the visit, Wolfgang Amadeus met Kuwaiti Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs Ambassador Walid Ali Al-Khubaizi and discussed ways to bolster cooperation and activate signed agreements between the two countries. Separately, on 27 November, President of the Swiss Confederation Johann Schneider-Ammann arrived in Kuwait to celebrate 50 years of official relations between both countries. During the visit, the Swiss President met the Amir, the Crown Prince. First Dy. PM and Foreign Minister, Chairman of KCCI and several other senior officials. He also signed an MOU with Kuwait on political consultations. (ii) Geneva‟s Mayor Guillaume Barazzone accompanying a delegation visited Kuwait from 13 – 15 November. During the visit, Barazzone met Farwaniya Governor Sheikh Faisal Al-Humoud Al-Malek Al-Sabah and discussed bilateral relations. 18. Togo: On the sidelines of the 4th Africa-Arab Summit in Malabo, KFAED signed a loan agreement and the related Project Agreement with the Republic of Togo. The Fund will make a loan for an amount of KD 4 million (US$13.6 million) to the Republic of Togo, to assist in the financing of the National Fund for Inclusive Finance Program of Operation Project. 19. Tunisia: As reported on 7 November, KFAED signed a loan agreement to provide Tunisia with US$ 22 million for the development of water network in the country. Kuwaiti Dy. PM and Finance Minister participated in Tunisia 2020 Conference held in Tunis from 29-30 November. During the conference, Kuwait pledged to provide US$ 500 million in loans over the next five years to Tunisia to support its economy. 20. Ukraine: On 3 November, Kuwaiti Dy. Foreign Minister visited Kiev and met his Ukrainian counterpart Sergiy Kyslytsya and discussed bilateral relations. 21. UK: As reported on 29 November, Andrew Parmley, Lord Mayor of London made an official two-day visit to Kuwait. During the visit, he met Dy. PM, Finance Minister and Acting Oil Minister Anas Al-Saleh along with many other official dignitaries and discussed ways to promote commercial ties especially after British exports to Kuwait amounted to GBP 1.5 billion (US$ 1.89 billion) in 2015. He also announced that UK will organize an exhibition on “investment opportunities in Kuwait” in 2017 in London in coordination with Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA). Separately, on 30 November Britain‟s Air Staff Air Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier visited Kuwait and met Dy. PM and Defense Minister Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah and discussed boosting defense ties. 22. USA: The Acting Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade, USA, Ken Hyatt visited Kuwait from 13-14 November for a safety and security industry trade

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mission. Hyatt led a delegation of 15 USA firms who were introduced to Kuwait‟s security market. The delegation also interacted with several officials from various Kuwaiti ministries to know how to expand their business in Kuwait. Kuwaiti Defense Ministry reportedly announced on 29 November that Kuwait will be buying 28 US F/A-18 Super Hornets to replace a fleet of earlier versions of the US fighter jets. The deal is not expected to exceed US$ 5 billion. The Amir of Kuwait congratulated President-elect, Donald Trump on winning the US presidential election. 23. Yemen: On 8 November, Yemeni Dy. PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulmalik Abduljalil Al-Mekhlafi visited Kuwait. During his visit he met the Amir and First Dy. PM and Foreign Minister and discussed bilateral relations. IV. INTERNATIONAL/MULTILATERAL ACTIVITIES 1. COP-22 -UNFCCC: On 13 November, the Amir led the Kuwaiti delegation to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Marrakech, Morocco from 7-18 November. Speaking at the COP-22 on 15 November, the Amir reiterated Kuwait‟s commitment to supporting the efforts exerted by the UN to combat the phenomenon of climate change. 2. UNSC: Kuwait requested for a permanent seat for the group at the UN Security Council (UNSC). Separately, Kuwait donated US$ 6.419 million for the 2017 aid programs of the UN agencies and handed a sum of US$ 6 million to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations International Children‟s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) to provide relief aid to the Iraqi people. 3. UNCAC: Kuwait‟s Ambassador to Austria and its permanent envoy to international organizations Sadiq Marafi chaired the 5th session of the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) held in Vienna from 17-18 November. 4. NATO-ICI: Kuwait‟s Ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg and head of its mission to NATO and EU Jassim Al-Bdaiwi led an official state delegation to the 3rd meeting of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization – Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (NATO-ICI) held in Doha, Qatar on 20 November. 5. AAS: On 16 November, Kuwait‟s First Dy. PM and Foreign Minister represented the Amir at the Africa Action Summit (AAS) held in Marrakech, Morocco on the sidelines of the UN Climate Change Conference. 6. Africa Arab Summit: On 22 November, the Amir and First Dy. PM and Foreign Minister led an official state delegation to the 4th Africa-Arab Summit held in Malabo, Republic of Equatorial Guinea from 21-24 November. At the summit the Amir spoke about boosting ties amongst African and Arab nations and called upon all nations to develop real partnership with Africa. Kuwait‟s contribution to the summit was in the form of the Al-Sumait 2015-16 prize of US$ 1 million for Africa‟s development. On the sidelines of the summit the Amir met Egypt‟s President Abdelfatah El-Sisi while the First Dy. PM and Foreign Minister met Vice-President of Burundi Joseph Butore and discussed bilateral ties in different domains. 7. GCC: On 3November, Kuwait‟s Dy. Foreign Minister led an official state delegation to the 16th Gulf Ministerial Committee meeting held in Riyadh. The Committee was formed to enforce resolutions targeting closer cooperation between GCC member states. Separately, on 12 November, Kuwaiti Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh

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Mohammad Abdullah Al-Mubarak attended the first meeting of the GCC Commission for Economic and Development Affairs in Riyadh. On 24 November, First Dy. PM and Foreign Minister led a Kuwaiti delegation to GCC meetings held in Manama at ministerial level. The Kuwaiti Minister of Social Affairs and Labour, Ms. Hend Al-Sabih participated at the meeting of GCC Labour Ministers in Riyadh on 15 November. 8. Bosphorus Summit: Kuwait‟s Minister of Commerce and Industry Dr Youssef Al-Ali led an official delegation to the 7th Bosphorus Summit held from 29 November – 1 December in Istanbul. The summit was held under the theme “An International Goal ... An International Future” and saw participation of official delegates from 70 countries. 9. OPEC: Kuwait‟s Dy. PM, Finance Minister and Acting Minister of Oil led an official delegation to the 171st Meeting of the Conference of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) held in Vienna, Austria, on 30th November 2016, under the Chairmanship of its President, HE Dr. Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada, Minister of Energy and Industry of the State of Qatar and Head of its Delegation. During the meeting the OPEC members concluded a historical deal to cut production by 1.2 million barrels daily beginning from 1 January 2017. Non-OPEC producers are expected to cut production by 600,000 barrels with Russia alone cutting down 300,000 barrels per day. A monitoring committee composed of representatives of Algeria, Kuwait, Venezuela and two participating non-OPEC countries had been established to monitor compliance with the agreement. V. TRADE DATA, ENQUIRIES, EXHIBITIONS, ETC. 1. During the month, the Mission replied to 27 trade queries received from India (mostly relating to food products, textiles & garments, industrial equipment & machinery, tiles, pharmaceuticals, herbal products and handicrafts) and 3 enquiries from Kuwait. Trade enquiries from India and Kuwait are at Annexure ‘A’. 2. Kuwait‟s trade with major countries may be seen at Annexure ‘B’. 3. Kuwait‟s total trade with India and Kuwait‟s five major items of imports and exports with India are as per Annexure ‘C’. 4. A list of useful websites is at Annexure ‘D’. 5. Details of forthcoming trade exhibitions to be held in Kuwait in 2016 are at Annexure ‘E’.

This issues with the approval of Cd‟A.

Sd/- (B.S. Bisht)

Attaché (Commercial)

Annexure ‘A’

Trade Enquiries from India during the month of November 2016

Sr No

Contact Details Product details

1 Mr. K. Ravi, Asst Manager – Exports, M/s SNS Starch Ltd, 311/A, Block-II, 1st Floor, Road No. 12, MLA Colony, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad - 500034, India. Email: exports@snsstarchindia.com

Corn and maize starch

2 Mr. Paras KathranI, Export Sales Director, M/s Savion Ceramic, 8-A National Highway, AT. Lakad Dhar, Matel Rd, Dhuva-363 621, Tal, Wankaner, Dist. Rajkot, Gujarat, India. Email: export@q-bo.in

Ceramic wall, floor and vitrified tiles in

3 Mr. V.C.Vijayabaskaran, Proprietor, M/s Siva Exports, 60,West Perumal Maistry street, Madurai-625001, Tamil Nadu, India. Email: sivaexportsindia@gmail.com

Papad, rice (Basmati & Non Basmati), jaggery, fruits & vegetables, Indian snacks & sweets, pickles, Mango pulp, dairy products, oil & seeds and a wide variety of Indian groceries including all kinds of flours, wheat, tamarind, turmeric, fried gram various kinds of Indian herbals and cleaning products

4 Mr. V.Muthumari, M/s Sri Gokul International, 2/2276, Grahathayamal Nagar, Sivakasi - 626123 Tamil Nadu, India. Email: muthu.gokulintl@gmail.com

Black pepper, cardamom, red chilli, cavendish banana, coconut & fresh vegetables

5 Mr. V.Dilip, Proprietor, M/s V.S.M Exports International, No.22/41, 10th Street, Annai Shivagami Nagar, Ennore, Chennai - 600057, Tamil Nadu, India. Email: vsmexports@gmail.com

Food stuff and utensils

6 Mr. Prasad Kulkarni, M/s Tradelink International, Email: prasad123kulkarni@gmail.com

Fresh Fruit, Vegetables, Processed Foods, Food Products, Fruit Pulp, Tea & Coffee, Textiles, Homeopathic medicine and Ayurvedic Medicines and Herbal Infusions

7 M/s. Super Impex, 305, Adhyaru Ind. Estate,

Electrical Equipments

Sunmill Compound, Lower Parel, Mumbai 400013. India Email: rakesh@superimpex.com

8 Ms. Gungun, Business Development Executive, M/s Sulson, WZ-34, Manohar Park, East Punjabi Bagh, New Delhi-110026, India Email: exports@sulson.com

Basmati Rice

9 Ms. Guru Exim Enterprise, India. Email: fesalshekh@gmail.com

Basmati rice

10 Mr. Gokul saravanan, Propreitor, M/s Astra Traders, 2/612A, HRHK Nagar, 4th street, Andipalayam, Tirupur – 641687, India Email: trade@astratrades.org

Agriculture and processed food

11 Mr. Narendra Shah,Director, M/s Shivam Exim Handicrafts, Email: narendrashah@shivameximhandicrafts.com

Handicrafts and home décor

12 Mr. K.S.Mutharasu, Manager Export Division, M/s Sisani Exports, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. Email: sisaniexim@gmail.com

Indian snacks, fried pappads, dal varieties, spices and rice items

13 Mr. D.G.Kulkarni, M/s. Deepak Jaggery Producer Co-Op Society, Kolhapur, India. Email: deepakjaggeryexporter@gmail.com

Jaggery

14 Mr. Ravi Shanker Bansal, M/s Ravis International, New Delhi, India Email: ravishankerbansal99@gmail.com

Garments

15 Mr. M.Praveen Kumar, M/s Thirsty Bird Exports, Karur, Tamilnadu, India-639001 Email: info@thirstybirdexports.com

Coir Fibre, Yarn, Rope, Pith and Mats

16 Mr. Rajesh Menghani, Marketing Manager, M/s AL Rabih Steel Trading Co LLC, Sharjah Industrial Area No.#11, P.O Box:28377, Sharjah, U.A.E, Email: rajesh@alrabihsteel.com

Pulses, grains, oils, soya products, steel products, tea, kitchenware and Tableware

17 Ms. Leena Dutta, 18M/s. Shipra Enterprise, Kolkata. Email: info@shipraarts.com

Indian handicrafts

18 Mr. M Ramakrishnan, M/s Sriabhu & CO, No. 46, 1st Floor, Salai Muthu 1st Cross, Nehru Nagar, Bye-pass Road, Madurai - 625 010. India. Email: sriabhumd@gmail.com

Cotton fabric products

19 Mr. Krishna Radadia, Executive - International Marketing, M/s Navkar Traders, Sagar Arcade, Near ICICI Bank Gondal Road, Rajkot – 360002, Gujarat, India. Email: navkarexim_exim@yahoo.com

Packaging machinery and materials

20 Mr. Balachandran, M/s Season Coir Exports, 168-A, Aratupuzha, Thrikunnappuzha, Alleppey, Kerala, India Email: marketing@seasoncoir.com

Coir products

21 Mr. Baskar, M/s Sri Balaji Exports, Pollachi, lndia. Email: balajiexportss113@gmail.com

Rice, Sugar and Coconut

22 Mr. M. Jayaseelakumar, M/s MJS International Export & Import 1/193 Semmanur, Elumichanahalli, Palacod (TK) Dharmapuri (DK) - 636808 Tamil Nadu, India. Email: jayaseel1994@gmail.com

Fresh vegetables, mango pulp, fresh mangoes, basmati rice, groundnuts, cocoa products and goat meat

23 Mr. S. Subhash, Proprietor, M/s Green House Export and Import No-52/2/1, Railway Feedar Road, Sankarankovil, Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu, India - 627756 Email: greenhouseexim@gmail.com

Pomegranate, Papaya, Lemons, Banana, Aubergine, Gourds (Bitter Gourd, Ridge Gourd, Ivy Gourd & Snake Gourd), Big Onion, Shallots, Okra, Cucumber or Gherkins, Green Chillies, Dried Red Chillies and Mushrooms (Button, Oyster & Milky)

24 M/s DSN Exports, Email: dsnexim@gmail.com

Rice, Papad, Snacks & Fruits

25 Mr. Sanjay Joshi, M/s Madhav Industries, 51/B, Opp. Vibrant Industrial park, Old Mahakali Rolling Mill, Motitalav Road, Bhavnagar-364001. Gujarat, India. Email: sales@madhavsolars.com

Solar Products

26 Ms Richa Jain, Senior Executive, Bhargava Phytolab, B-92, Sector-2, Noida-201301,(U.P.) India. Email: r.jain@bhargavaphytolab.com

Homeopathic and herbal medicines

27 Mr. Mitesh Sangani, Director, M/s UWe International, A-617/618 Borivali Gulmohar CHS, Ansal Vihar, Kasturpark Extn, Borivali (W), Mumbai – 400 092, India Email: mitesh@uweinternational.in

Acacia gum and waste water treatment chemicals, pharmaceutical, confectionery, cosmetic, sugar distilleries

Trade Enquiries from Kuwait during the month of November 2016

S. No Contact Details Product details

1 Mr. Mohd. Shafi Al Ajmi, Chairman, Shadow General Contracting & Building Est., Kuwait E-mail: info@sgckw.co

Heavy Equipments

2 Ms. Grace James Asst. Manager (Sales) Kuwait International Freight & Logistics Co Sawaber 6 Tower, 1st Floor, Room No: 11, Behind Sharq Police Station, Sharq, Kuwait. Email: grace@kifal.com

Pharmaceuticals firms

3 Mr. Saoud Motlaq Al Otaibi, National Expertise Co. for Real Estate Services Kuwait. E-mail: al_kebra@hotmail.com

Metal Scrap Companies

Annexure ‘B’

i) Principal import and exports with other countries a) Top Ten Countries Exporting to Kuwait

(in million)

COUNTRIES 2012 2013 2014

KD US$ KD US$ KD US$

China 1,007 3,614 1,114 3,988 1,267 4,534

U.S.A 762 2,734 823 2,946 860 3,077

United Arab Emirates 554 1,988 730 2,612 818 2,927

Japan 598 2,146 630 2,255 638 2,283

Germany 488 1,751 561 2,008 597 2,136

Saudi Arabia 401 1,439 399 1,428 434 1,553

Italy 362 1,299 344 1,231 343 1,227

India 364 1,306 332 1,188 368 1,317

South Korea 342 1,227 323 1,156 354 1,266

United Kingdom 235 843 233 834 232 830

Source: Central Statistical Bureau, State of Kuwait b) Top Destinations of Kuwait’s Non-Oil Exports

(in million)

COUNTRIES 2012 2013 2014

KD US$ KD US$ KD US$

China 234 839 293 1,049 294 1,052

India 182 653 203 726 247 884

United Arab Emirates

204 732 237 848 217 776

Saudi Arabia 197 707 199 712 208 744

Iraq 24 86 158 565 194 694

Pakistan 63 226 63 225 57 204

Indonesia 94 337 52 186 52 186

Turkey 67 240 84 300 38 136

U.S.A 80 287 56 200 35 125

Taiwan 63 226 54 193 21 75

Source: Central Statistical Bureau, State of Kuwait

Annexure ‘C’ i) Trade Between India and Kuwait

(in Million US$)

April 2013-March 2014

April 2014-March 2015

April 2015-March 2016

INDIA’S EXPORT TO KUWAIT 1,061.14 1,198.91 1,247.25

INDIA’S IMPORT FROM KUWAIT

17,153.55 13,381.97 4,962.33

TOTAL TRADE 18,214.69 14,580.87 6,209.58

Source: Department of Commerce, M/o Commerce & Industry, GOI All figures on FOB basis.

ii) India’s trade with Kuwait

Top five items of Exports to Kuwait

S.No Commodity 2015-16

Value (in Million

US$)

1. CEREALS. 231.00

2. MEAT AND EDIBLE MEAT OFFAL. 94.62

3. NUCLEAR REACTORS, BOILERS, MACHINERY AND MECHANICAL APPLIANCES; PARTS THEREOF.

99.62

ARTICLES OF IRON OR STEEL 70.75

4. ELECTRICAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT AND PARTS THEREOF; SOUND RECORDERS AND REPRODUCERS, TELEVISION IMAGE AND SOUND RECORDERS AND REPRODUCERS,AND PARTS.

64.18

5. NATURAL OR CULTURED PEARLS,PRECIOUS OR SEMIPRECIOUS STONES,PRE.METALS,CLAD WITH PRE.METAL AND ARTCLS THEREOF;IMIT.JEWLRY;COIN.

57.79

Source: Department of Commerce, M/o Commerce & Industry, GOI Top five items of Imports from Kuwait

Sl. No

Commodity 2015-16

Value (in Million

US$)

1 MINERAL FUELS, MINERAL OILS AND PRODUCTS OF THEIR DISTILLATION; BITUMINOUS SUBSTANCES; MINERAL WAXES.

4,052.24

2 ORGANIC CHEMICALS 699.59

3 PLASTIC AND ARTICLES THEREOF 82.82

4 ALUMINIUM AND ARTICLES THEREOF 31.99

5 COPPER AND ARTICLES THEREOF 22.34

Source: Department of Commerce, M/o Commerce & Industry, GOI

Annexure ‘D’

List of useful websites on Kuwait

i) Official

1. www.e.gov.kw : Official website of the State of Kuwait

2. www.mof.gov.kw : Ministry of Finance

3. www.moo.gov.kw : Ministry of Energy

4. www.moci.gov.kw : Ministry of Commerce & Industry

ii) Local Trade Bodies

5. www.kcci.org.kw : Kuwait Chamber of Commerce & Industry

6. www.kpc.com.kw : Kuwait Petroleum Corporation and its subsidiaries

iii) Banks and financial institutions

7. www.cbk.gov.kw : Central Bank of Kuwait

8. www.nbk.com : National Bank of Kuwait

9. www.cbk.com : Commercial Bank of Kuwait

10. www.kia.gov.kw : Kuwait Investment Authority

iv) Media

11. www.kuna.net.kw : Kuwait News Agency

12. www.kuwaittimes.net : Kuwait Times

13. www.arabtimesonline.com : Arab Times

14. www.kuwaitsamachar.com : News about Kuwait, India and Indian expatriates

in Kuwait.

v) About Kuwait

15. www.arab.net.kuwait : For research on Kuwait, etc.

16. www.kif.net : Kuwait International Fair Company (KIFCO)

Annexure ‘E’ Kuwait International Fair organizes fairs and exhibitions in Kuwait. The calendar of events for the year 2016 is reproduced below: