Edmund O’Sullivan, Chairman, addressing the MEED Conference in Kuwait said that the conference provided an ideal platform to highlight the major strides taken by the government and key industry leaders to create the phenomenal growth witnessed in recent years.
“This conference proved to be an invaluable opportunity for those at the cutting edge of Kuwait’s future to discuss its development,” he added.
“Away from the formality of the conference rooms, networking was another key benefit of the event, allowing contacts to be made with CEOs, VPs and Chairmen from the key growth industries and Government departments.”
HRH the Prince of Wales, heir to the British throne, visited the MEED conference.
Developments in the energy sector took centre stage on the first day at the Kuwait Energy and Infrastructure Projects 2011 held at Courtyard Marriott. In addition to highlighting opportunities in the country’s developing projects market, delegates were updated on the progress so far in the Clean Fuels programme and other world-class energy initiatives.
HRH the Prince of Wales, heir to the British throne, visited the MEED conference as part of a tour to the Gulf State. This visit marks the 50th anniversary of Kuwait’s full independence from the UK in June 1961.
With an array of industry leaders and government officials in attendance, the event met with tremendous response and delivered unrivalled opportunities for developing new business partnerships and investments.
The first two days will focus on the energy sector, including Kuwait’s long–term energy vision and procurement and development strategies. The last day will be dedicated to the infrastructure and construction sector with first hand information on megaprojects.
MEED Projects data revealed that 29 per cent of current planned projects are in the construction sector, 25 per cent in infrastructure, 25 per cent in oil and gas production, 19 per cent in power projects, and the remaining four per cent in waste and water projects. Major projects under discussion at the conference also included a vast array of projects being developed in the social and transport infrastructure sectors.
Keynote speakers included Farouk Al Zanki, Chief Executive Officer, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation; who showcased Kuwait’s 2030 oil and gas strategy and Shaikha Al Bahar, National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), who spoke about the role of the banking sector in delivering Kuwait’s energy plan.
National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) – the leading banking institution in Kuwait was a strategic partner of the event. Kuwait Petroleum Company and Agility and Gulf Investment Corporation were the supporting partner and silver sponsors respectively. Gulf Bank, ABB and Al Tamimi and Co. were the bronze sponsors. The event’s primary focus was on the sectors identified as presenting the best commercial opportunities.
Kuwait Energy and Infrastructure Projects Conference 2011 is part of MEED’s comprehensive portfolio of large-scale summits and conferences that offer businesses unique one-to-one networking opportunities and facilitate the showcasing of solutions to key target groups and niche professionals.