In October 2006, in a move that was both strategic and symbolic, United Airlines launched non-stop service from Washington Dulles Airport to Kuwait.  As such, United is the first U.S. commercial airline to fly directly from the U.S. to the Arabian Gulf.  Noted John Tague, United's Executive Vice President, "The Kuwaiti City service provides our customers with direct access to the Middle East, where petroleum, energy, and shipping industries have created an increased demand for air cargo and passenger service."

To commemorate this important milestone and to highlight the new "Open Skies" Agreement between the two nations, Kuwait's Minister of Communications and Transportation flew to the United States in late 2006. At a reception co-hosted by United Airlines and NUSACC, Her Excellency Dr. Masouma Al-Mubarak noted, "With Kuwait being chosen as a window to the region, this will definitely help to broaden areas of trade and economy between the U.S. and the rest of the region."

Air travel is important, but Kuwait's economy still hinges on petroleum production.  In recent months, Kuwait has unveiled mroe than $60 billion worth of capital development and energy expansion projects, including plans to construct one of the largest refineries in the world with an initial capacity of nearly 600,000 bbl/d.  Kuwait's development initiatives are spurring the importation of U.S vehicles, oilfield equipment, telecom equipment and industrial machines.

U.S. exporters for niche sporting goods products have experience four digit growth in the past four years.  Excavating machinery and measuring & testing instruments have achieved three-digit growth.

When it comes to strategic allies in the region, few nations play as important a role as Kuwait, which was recognized by the U.S. in 2004 as a "Major Non-NATO ally."  The two nations have a defense cooperation agreement that runs until 2012.  Kuwait served as the main launching point for America's 2003 invasion of Iraq, and the emirate remains the primary transit point for U.S. and other forces in Iraq.

Kuwait has continued to make the Free Trade Agreement with the U.S. a high priority, and steady progress is being made.

 


Click here to view a web-friendly version of NUSACC's Tradeline - Special Edition on Kuwait.

Links

Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Country Commercial Guide (pdf)
CIA Factbook
World Bank
U.S. Embassy in Kuwait