kuwait- m a r k e t a c c e s s（科威特- m r k e t c c e s s）.docVIP

Kuwait Ongoing matters of concern for business include Kuwait tax regulations, less than transparent regulations pertaining to industrial standards, highly bureaucratic application procedures, intellectual property rights protection, and less than transparent public contracting and procurement procedures. Imports - Requirements Licensing Requirements for Commercial Activities - Joint Ventures Agent Requirements Agent Requirements Commercial Law 36 of 1964, as amended by Commercial Law 68 of 1980, governs the establishing of a business or business relationship in the State of Kuwait. Under the above provisions, a foreign firm (including a partnership) may not establish a branch and may not perform any commercial activities in the country except through a Kuwaiti agent. Foreign and U.S. firms seeking a presence in the Kuwait market may do so utilizing commercial agents, distributors or service agents. Both agents and, if possible, their principals, should periodically visit existing and new customers since the importance of personal contact in Kuwait cannot be overemphasized. Foreign companies cannot sell directly to the Government nor participate in public tenders except through a local agent. In the oil sector, for instance, supplying companies should be approved by an internal committee and placed on a list of ‘pre-approved’ companies. For major projects, international companies are usually invited to pre-qualify. Licensing Requirements for Commercial Activities – Joint Ventures In order to establish a business in Kuwait, the Kuwaiti firm or joint venture needs to apply for a business license issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Application documentation must be in Arabic. For special commercial activities such as telecommunications, health services, pharmaceuticals etc. the relevant ministry, department or regulatory agency may require other certificates or licenses. Given that all government procurement must be conducted with Kuwaiti citizens or fi