The Kuwaiti National Assembly is working on a legislative amendment that will permit foreign companies to open branches in Kuwait and conduct their activities directly without a local agent, including competing for government tenders. The rapporteur of the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee, Abdul Wahab Al-Essa, stated that the committee approved a bill on Sunday that abolishes the requirement for a local agent for foreign companies operating in the country, "in support of the principles of a free economy and commercial freedom."
Al-Essa added, "The legislative amendment aims to open the door for competition among companies in pursuit of quality services offered to the public and to lower prices." He noted that the new amendment does not mean the cancellation of existing agencies but will grant foreign companies the right to operate directly in Kuwait or continue working with their local agents.
According to the currently applicable commercial law, a foreign company is not permitted to establish a branch in Kuwait or engage in commercial activities except through a local agent.
