Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
03KUWAIT5090
2003-11-05 10:42:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Kuwait
Cable title:  

MEPI: REQUEST FOR SPEAKER ON TRADE ISSUES FOR

Tags:  ETRD EAID PGOV KU 
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UNCLAS KUWAIT 005090 

SIPDIS

STATE PASS USTR FOR JASON BUNTIN; NEA/REA FOR SONIA
FRANCESKI

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETRD EAID PGOV KU
SUBJECT: MEPI: REQUEST FOR SPEAKER ON TRADE ISSUES FOR
MEMBERS OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

REF: A. STATE 126550


B. KUWAIT 2949

UNCLAS KUWAIT 005090

SIPDIS

STATE PASS USTR FOR JASON BUNTIN; NEA/REA FOR SONIA
FRANCESKI

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETRD EAID PGOV KU
SUBJECT: MEPI: REQUEST FOR SPEAKER ON TRADE ISSUES FOR
MEMBERS OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

REF: A. STATE 126550


B. KUWAIT 2949


1. (U) As part of its MEPI country strategy, post will
occasionally request speakers as current events necessitate.
The first such request is for a return visit in December by
Mr. Emad Tinawi, who made a preliminary trip to Kuwait in
August. We would like Mr. Tinawi to conduct a training
seminar for members of the National Assembly on free trade
issues. The GOK has indicated that it is ready to sign a
Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) with the
United States, and now is the opportune time to educate the
deputies on what the agreement entails. There are concerns
in Kuwait about opening up the economy, and especially the
effects that liberalization might have on Kuwaiti employment
opportunities. It is critical, therefore, that we provide
the legislative branch with factual information on the TIFA
and the broader topic of free trade at this relatively early
stage, to counter any protectionist sentiments that might
emerge. This training seminar would also allow us to
identify areas of particular concern among members of the
National Assembly, so that we might tailor future MEPI
outreach programs.


2. (U) This project falls under Kuwait's economic reform
pillar (Ref B),and supports the MEPI goal of enhancing
Kuwait's global competitiveness (Ref A).
JONES