By Tareq Yousef AlShumaimry
Former Secretary-General of the Commercial Arbitration Centre of the Gulf Cooperation Council
Asia has emerged as a vital force in the new international order—economically, politically, and in terms of influence in the area of investment. It is against this background that the first-ever trilateral ASEAN-GCC-China Summit being held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia gains added significance. The opening session of the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit on 27 May urged the two blocs and China to deepen partnership through innovation, investment and closer people-to-people ties.
It is highly relevant that in this context, the State of Kuwait, along with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, is working to deepen its partnerships with major and emerging Asian nations as part of its strategic vision. This vision aims to diversify international relations, ensure economic security, and support sustainable development projects in line with the ‘New Kuwait 2035’ vision and the development plans of other GCC states.
Asia, especially East and South Asia, represents one of the largest markets for Kuwaiti oil exports. Countries such as China, India, South Korea, and Japan rely heavily on energy imports from the Arabian Gulf to meet their industrial needs. Beyond energy, Asian countries are increasingly becoming key investment and trade partners with Kuwait and the GCC, in sectors such as infrastructure, technology, healthcare, and education.
Kuwait’s oil exports to Asia accounted for more than 85 percent of its total oil exports over the past decade, underscoring the deep interdependence between both sides.
The mutual economic integration and investments by Kuwait’s sovereign wealth fund, led by the Kuwait Investment Authority, form a solid bridge for cooperation with major Asian economies. Kuwait has invested in strategic projects in China, India, and Indonesia in areas including infrastructure, clean energy, and technology.
