Transport & Infrastructure

Kuwait has met the challenge of reconstructing its infrastructure following the last Gulf War to ensure that it can support the country’s continued growth. The Ministry of Public Works & Housing is in charge of the country’s public infrastructure pro-jects, and includes a construction projects administration, a road engineering department, and a sanitary engineering department. Among the ministry’s accomplishments is the landmark Telecommunication Center in the heart of Kuwait

State-of-the-art infrastructure

The ministry has launched a large-scale, computerized, in-house Kuwait Infrastructure Maintenance System (KIMMS) to assist in the maintenance of the national infrastructure on an integrated basis. Reflecting the Kuwaiti government’s commitment to maintaining the highest quality in all segments of its infrastructure, the KIMMS will provide access to accurate, up-to-date information on each infrastructure component, allowing management to quickly assess performance, identify maintenance and rehabilitation requirements and develop short- and long-term budgets. The system has initially been implemented for roadways, bridges, sanitary and storm sewers and street right-of-way features.

Following the last Gulf war, Kuwait launched an extensive program to repair and upgrade infrastructure damaged during the war. Damaged desalination systems, irrigation and sewage networks, pumping stations and other elements of the country’s infrastructure have now been fully repaired, as well as significantly upgraded and expanded. Ports, for example, have been fully cleared of debris from the last war and have been enlarged to handle increased traffic, while the international airport has also been fully repaired and expanded.

In addition, the country’s telecommunications system has been significantly upgraded. In only five years, Kuwait restored its wire and wireless communications networks to their pre-war levels, and then updated all network facilities and equipment.

Kuwait’s infrastructure includes an excellent road network that facilities domestic and regional transport, as well as state-of-the-art port services and superior air transport services. The government has made infrastructure a priority in order to enhance Kuwait’s growing role as a gateway for business in the Gulf region. American investors wishing to establish operations in Kuwait or to employ Kuwait as a transhipment hub will find that the country can provide all the infrastructure support they need for successful operations.

Action Holding Company

“When companies come to Kuwait, they need our services.”

Action Holding Company, whose Vice Chairman is Sheikh Mubarak Al Sabah, is a dynamic group of companies known for offering high-quality services. The group includes Kuwait Dynamics Limited and Action Consultancy Bureau, both providing world-class support for clients doing business in Kuwait and throughout the region.

Kuwait Dynamics Limited (KDL), certified ISO 9001:2000, provides international-standard engineering, construction, procurement, logistics and defense support services for the military and defense-related pro-jects as well as for clients in a variety of other sectors. The company has taken part in many major projects, including the Amiri Diwan royal palace, and has a special-projects division in Iraq to provide maintenance, procurement, logistical and construction support for Iraq’s reconstruction. The company has a history of successful partnerships with international companies concerning military operations and construction projects, and has seen tremendous growth over the past few years.

Managing Director Jerry Frost explains that KDL has positioned itself to serve as an effective local partner for international companies looking to expand into the region. Located in Kuwait’s free-trade zone, KDL provides easy access to Kuwait’s world-class infrastructure. Frost stresses that KDL’s staff members are of the highest caliber and are experts in their fields. He adds, “We are open for business, and we can take on more work for our clients.”

Another Action Holding Company firm is Action Consultancy Bureau (ACB), one of the leading professional consultancy firms in Kuwait. ACB provides a broad range of consultancy services for local and international clients, from economic and strategic planning to management, reorganization and training support. ACB is a diversified consulting bureau with in-depth know-ledge of the Kuwaiti market, and is well placed to serve as a strong local partner for international companies. As Sheikh Mubarak Al Sabah explains, “When companies come to Kuwait, they need our consultancy services.”

ACB’s staff members are highly trained and experienced specialists in their fields, and the company is well known for serving as an effective bridge between local and international markets. AHC also includes an oil and energy division that specializes in all types of support for companies operating in these key sectors.

Intaliq Co. for Transport & Handling (I.T.H.C.)

“We provide a high quality Service.’’

Intaliq Co. for Transport & Handling (I.T.H.C.) is a fully integrated Transportation, Customs and Handling Company specializing in Transport, Shipping & Freight forwarding. Established by Mr. Ahmed Al-Mehri & Mr. Talal Al-Mehri in 1993, it has grown to become a client focused, reliable and diversified company.

Along with its sister company, FARESCO Air & Sea Freight Forwarders, it provides a global service with a strong client focus. As Executive Director Abdulla Al-Mehri explains, “ We have a conservative style, so we can provide a high quality service. We focus on stable growth and well-prepared projects.’’ I.T.H.C. only works with clients where it can ensure total customer satisfaction. “We would rather do less business with high effectiveness and efficiency than doing more business with high uncertainty,” says Abdulla Al-Mehri.
The business is divided into two arms. FARESCO headed by Mr. Fares Al-Mehri handles international Ocean and Airfreight ser-vices. While Intaliq Co. provides local and regional export, import land transportation, documentation and handling services. Consequently I.T.H.C. is fully fledged international Transport Company with a particular specialization in the Gulf region.

For the future, Al-Mehri plans to increase the cross selling of I.T.H.C’s Services throughout the Middle East countries. He also plans to expand the business further, by increasing its worldwide penetration to become the One- Stop- Shop for all transportation needs.

With a strong client base established by their father, the Al-Mehri brothers are determined to expand their international services while maintaining strong relations with their existing client base. As they explain, the company’s ethics are based on trust, safety, high quality and productivity. As a family firm, employees and customers are treated as members of Al-Mehri family.

With the huge demand in transportation services for the Middle East, Intaliq Co. remains a reputable Kuwaiti family business with a stable and low risk approach to finding optimum solutions for clients and principals.

Al-Kazemi Group of Companies

“We can work with you to do good business here.”

The Al-Kazemi Group has its roots in Kuwait’s historic shipping and trading culture from the days when goods were transported to India and other markets on traditional dhow sailing vessels. Growing out of United Shipping Services, founded in 1953 by Abdul Latif Al-Kazemi, the Al-Kazemi Group is now a dynamic, diversified collection of companies with operations in various sectors but with a focus on logistics. Al-Kazemi represents a number of international shipping lines and has over 50 years of experience handling all types of cargo.

Tarek Al-Kazemi, Group Chairman and CEO, explains that the Al-Kazemi Group offers shipping, air-cargo, contracting and trade services. The air-cargo division, for example, handles all sorts of incoming and outgoing shipments on a door-to-door basis, and also provides warehousing. The group’s contracting division is highly experienced in hand-ling complex projects in the petrochemicals, civil engineering, power generation and telecommunications sectors, and works closely with partners to offer support throughout the region. Al-Kazemi’s trading division supplies directly to a broad range of industries, including oil refining, chemicals, petrochemicals and telecommunications.

The Al-Kazemi Group is currently planning extensive activities in Iraq, and is exceptionally well placed to work with American companies. As CEO Al-Kazemi says, “Our forte is our ability to be a strong representative of foreign manufacturers looking to promote their products regionally. We are open to new ventures with international companies in all the fields in which we specialize.”

Known for its international quality standards and reliable, customer-oriented service, the Al-Kazemi Group has positioned itself as an ideal business partner. As founder Abdul Latif Al-Kazemi says, “We are a family business that is well connected in Kuwait and can work with you to do good business here.” The group’s modern business methods, proven track record and open-minded approach add to its attractions for American investors.