As was evidenced by international reaction to its invasion by Iraq, Kuwait is a strategic market. It is a key market not only for the reasons of its vast oil reserves and geographic location as a vital oil shipping port, but most importantly as a link to a rapidly developing area of the world. With a current GDP exceeding $37 billion and growing at a rate of more than 4% per year, Kuwait is one of the fastest growing regions in the Middle East.

Kuwait has long since prospered through its close ties with South Asia, both economically and culturally. Long before oil was discovered, Kuwait’s economy was based and dependent on its trade links with South Asia and even East Africa. As Kuwait’s wealth grew dramatically with the discovery of oil after World War II, its contacts and exposure westward, most notably Europe and USA were strengthened. Thus, over the past 40 years, Kuwait developed a unique position as a bridge between East and West. The long established ties eastward were never lost but enhanced through Kuwait’s westward exposure.

Clearly the rapid socio-economic development of South Asia will drive this region into a dynamic global business force as we move further into the millennium. Kuwait, with its unique east-west balance is certainly poised to tap into this business potential. Kuwait currently has a population of about 2.3 million with a per capita GDP of more than $16,000.