. . . showcases cutting-edge environmental technologies and expanding cooperation in sustainable urban development
In a clear reflection of the strong and evolving partnership between Kuwait and the Republic of Korea, the South Korean Embassy — working alongside Korea’s Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment — organized the 8th Korean Smart Cities Forum on Wednesday at the Mövenpick Hotel Al Bida’a.
Held under the theme “Addressing Urban Challenges through Smart Environmental Infrastructure,” the event highlighted advanced Korean solutions in waste and water management and explored new avenues for cooperation in sustainable urban development.
The forum underscored Kuwait’s growing commitment to enhancing environmental infrastructure and advancing circular economy initiatives. Senior representatives from multiple Kuwaiti government bodies attended, reinforcing the strategic importance of Korean expertise in this field.
Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Control and Auditing Sector at the Ministry of Public Works, Engineer Ayman Al-Mousawi, affirmed that the ministry maintains several active contracts with Korean companies across various sectors.
He noted that ongoing project challenges are natural and unrelated to Korean partners, adding that Kuwait possesses the capability to overcome obstacles and continue progress. He stressed that Korean technology has significantly supported major infrastructure and modernization efforts in recent years.
From the Public Authority for Housing Welfare, Deputy Director General for Planning and Design Nasser Khuraibet highlighted the standout collaboration with Korea Land and Housing Company, which designed South Saad Al-Abdullah City.
He described the Korean smart city model as one that leverages technology to improve quality of life — an approach Kuwait seeks to adopt in its upcoming projects. Khuraibet added that South Saad Al-Abdullah City has now fully completed its design phase and entered implementation, with further discussions ongoing for future development stages.
Chargé d’Affaires at the South Korean Embassy, Hyejin Kim, emphasized that the forum marks an important step toward deepening cooperation in sustainability and environmental innovation. She noted that Korean eco-friendly technologies can greatly support Kuwait’s Vision 2035, particularly in waste management and water treatment.
Kim called for moving “from talk to actual achievement” through joint projects that deliver tangible impact. She added that limiting contract awards to price competition reduces opportunities for high-quality Korean firms, stressing that Korea offers durable solutions aligned with Kuwait’s long-term goals.
Kim also reaffirmed her country’s commitment to supporting Kuwaiti projects through innovation, citing the “Green Business Partnership” events organized by the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency to strengthen ties between companies in both countries.
Chee Myung-kyu, head of the Korean delegation and Director of Foreign Cooperation at the Ministry of Energy, Climate and Environment, stated that their participation aims to reinforce collaboration in sustainability and waste management — key pillars of future Kuwait–Korea cooperation.
He revealed plans for a meeting with the Housing Authority to explore advanced waste treatment and recycling facilities, essential for upcoming joint initiatives.
Kyu added that the visiting delegation includes representatives from major Korean ministries, environmental associations, water partnerships, and leading smart city companies. He stressed that South Korea views Kuwait as a strategic partner and looks forward to “deeper and clearer cooperation” in green infrastructure and sustainable development projects.
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Dieser Artikel ist neu veröffentlicht von / This article is republished from: The Times Kuwait, 27.11.2025
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