**Official English Translation:** **Five-Part Agreement Between Iran and Kuwait to Develop Trade Relations**

Official English Translation:

According to the Public Relations Office of the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran, Abdolamir Rabihavi, referring to the visit of Mohammad Ali Dehghan Dehnavi, Deputy Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade, to Kuwait and his participation in the 13th Joint Trade Committee between Iran and Kuwait, stated: “The 12th round of this committee was held in 2014, and the Kuwaiti side showed great enthusiasm for hosting this round. Despite several postponements, Kuwait insisted on convening the meeting.”

The Director General of the West Asia Office of the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran highlighted Kuwait’s geographical advantages for Iran, saying: “The short maritime distance between Iranian ports such as Abadan and Khorramshahr and Kuwait, as well as the land border connection through Shalamcheh, make the transfer of goods much easier and more cost-effective. Moreover, Kuwait imports around 38 billion dollars’ worth of goods annually, which makes it a promising market for Iranian products.”

Signing of Agreements in Five Key Areas

He identified the signing of agreements in five main areas as the most important outcome of this round of negotiations, explaining: “In the areas of trade, economy, and investment, it was agreed that an exhibition showcasing the capabilities of the Islamic Republic of Iran will be held in Kuwait in 2026. The Kuwaiti side also expressed its readiness to visit Iran to attend exhibitions and hold discussions with Iranian officials. Other agreements in this area included enhancing cooperation between the private sectors of both countries through chambers of commerce, promoting investment in various fields, and removing trade barriers.”

The Director General continued: “In the field of food security—which was of particular importance to the Kuwaiti side—various topics were discussed, including joint investments, supplying Kuwait’s essential goods, technology transfer, and training. The Kuwaiti side prepared a draft memorandum of understanding on this matter, which has been submitted to the representative of Iran’s Ministry of Agriculture Jihad for further review and expert evaluation, to be finalized for signing by the official authorities of both countries.”

Rabihavi added: “In the fields of industry and standards, the main focus was on harmonizing the two countries’ standards. It was decided that an executive plan for standardization be prepared and implemented as soon as possible, to facilitate the exchange of mutually accepted goods. Industrial cooperation, technology transfer, and the export of Iranian machinery and production units to Kuwait were also among the agreed topics.”

Referring to customs cooperation, he said: “Both sides emphasized the implementation of the existing Customs Cooperation and Mutual Assistance Agreement, and it was decided that a joint executive program be developed by the customs authorities of the two countries. Furthermore, it was agreed to pursue the implementation of the ‘Agreement on the Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments’ and to follow up on the signing of the ‘Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation’ by the relevant authorities.”

The Director General also stated: “In the areas of land, sea, and air transportation, several issues were reviewed. In maritime transport, problems faced by Iranian vessels and seafarers in Kuwaiti ports were raised, and it was agreed that a joint working group be established with Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization to address technical requirements. In land transportation, following extensive negotiations, the Kuwaiti side agreed to study the possibility of enabling transit of goods from Shalamcheh (Iran) to Iraq and then through the Safwan and Abdali border crossings into Kuwait. In air transport, Iran requested an increase in the number of direct flights between the two countries. Both sides also agreed to strengthen the direct shipping line between Khorramshahr Port and Al-Ahmadi Port in Kuwait.”

Rabihavi concluded by emphasizing that “this committee marks an important step toward expanding trade relations with the Persian Gulf countries.” He added that planning is underway to enhance cooperation with other countries in the region, including Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, and that all agreements reached are to be seriously followed up and implemented by the relevant agencies.

It is worth noting that the 13th Joint Trade Committee between Iran and Kuwait was held on November 4–5, with Mohammad Ali Dehghan Dehnavi heading the Iranian delegation and Marwa Al-Juhaidan, Acting Deputy Minister of Commerce and Industry of Kuwait, leading the Kuwaiti side.

During the meetings, the Iranian side raised trade obstacles including customs issues, maritime challenges, and standard-related matters, to which the Kuwaiti side responded positively and expressed a strong interest in signing a Food Security Agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Following the opening session of the committee, the Iranian delegation also met with senior Kuwaiti officials, including the Director General of Kuwait Customs, the President of the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce, and the Director of the Port Authority. Although a meeting with the Kuwaiti Minister of Commerce and Industry had been planned, it did not take place due to the Minister’s visit to Turkey. On the sidelines of the committee, the Iranian delegation visited two major retail stores in Kuwait that exclusively sell Iranian products. These stores, located in busy and central areas of Kuwait, were stocked with a wide range of high-quality Iranian brands—demonstrating the strong reception of Iranian goods in the Kuwaiti market.