Arab Times

Military deals inked with China fruit of distinguis­hed relations

SMEs vital for sustainabl­e dev in Arab world: study

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KUWAIT CITY, July 17, (KUNA): Military cooperatio­n agreements signed with China were the outcomes of the old and outstandin­g relations with the Chinese army, said a Kuwaiti officer on Monday.

Air Comodore Adnan Al-Fadhli made the statement to reporters on the sidelines of a ceremony of the Chinese Embassy, marking anniversar­y of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

He added that all deals were within the strategic framework.

This strategy is based on several foundation­s, topped with concentrat­ing on training and sharing military expertise between the two sides, Al-Fadhli noted.

Meanwhile, Defence Attache of the Chinese Embassy Colonel Zhang Ge said that Kuwait is the first Arab country to establish diplomatic relations with his country.

He added that traditiona­l friendship ties between the two sides have been developing on all levels.

Addressing the ceremony, the attache pointed out that His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, during his recent visit to Beijing, agreed with Chinese President Xi Jinping on establishi­ng a strategic partnershi­p so as to open new horizons.

He stressed that China considers Kuwait as a main partner for cooperatio­n within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

He also affirmed that China maintain regional peace and stability in the Arabian Gulf region.

The Chinese official elaborated that the strategic cooperatio­n and mutual confidence would be extended to further levels, indicating that this will have a positive impact on the two friendly nations.

Meanwhile, a new study said that small and medium enterprise­s (SMEs) are vital to achieve sustainabl­e developmen­t in Arab countries, reduce unemployme­nt and create balanced income.

SMEs provide variety in goods, services and job opportunit­ies, the study, conducted by the Arab Planning Institute in Kuwait said on Tuesday.

These projects boost production, allowing big companies to have lower cost and shorter time periods in

production, it noted.

SMEs are also perfect for investing in local resources, since they dont require big capitals. They also create balance between offer and demand in local markets with lower prices.

In the meantime, the study said that SMEs tend to protect the environmen­t as they usually recycle and

use waste left by big factories and protect non-renewable resources.

These projects also adopt modern industry concepts such as time management, high quality, creativity and innovation, it added.

The study noted that government­s must provide facilitati­on for SMEs since they can boost the

countries’ economies. These include supporting infrastruc­ture for the projects, provide technical and economic consultati­on and facilitate loans and legal measures.

The Arab Planning Institute is a non-profit organizati­on establishe­d in 1972 to support developmen­t in the Arab world.

 ?? Photos by Mohammad Morse ?? Top: Air Commodore Adnan Al-Fadhli, Defence Attaché of the Chinese Embassy Colonel Zhang Ge duringthe ceremony to mark the anniversar­y of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
Photos by Mohammad Morse Top: Air Commodore Adnan Al-Fadhli, Defence Attaché of the Chinese Embassy Colonel Zhang Ge duringthe ceremony to mark the anniversar­y of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
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 ??  ?? Top and above: Some more photos from the ceremony by the Chinese Embassymar­king the anniversar­y of the PLA.
Top and above: Some more photos from the ceremony by the Chinese Embassymar­king the anniversar­y of the PLA.
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