Purgatory is obviously tired of reading me rant about men and animals, so I will rant about something completely different....
There was an article in today's Kuwait Times (which I don't usually read, but everyone seemed to be out of the Arab Times this morning), titled, "Silk City: Mission Impossible" in reference to "(Silk City Project that will)... help transform Kuwait into a commercial gateway to the World." The author, Muna Al-Essa, basically shares the same sentiment I do - that although Kuwait has good intentions about mega projects - will the schemes actually draw people to the country?
Desert Girl says, 'Uh... noooooooooo....'
The current Kuwait commercial laws don't allow room for economic growth. Many Kuwaiti companies (like the big "A" dogs up in Sulaybia) are still mistreating workers - Western and Asian alike. The 2nd largest logistics company in Kuwait (rhymes with KG Hell) charges their employees for employment visas (500 kd for an Article 18). What is the going rate they have to pay - about 70 kd? Worker rights throughout Kuwait are minimal. Corruption is rampant - and for the most part, unchecked. Department of Labor at the Ministry of Social Affairs - WHAT IS YOUR WEBSITE? WHAT is your contact information? Where do you post your information and in what language? I've been here for ten years and I can tell you - I still can't easily find the answers.
The Kuwaiti planners are operating under the assumption of, "If you build it, they will come." UAE already has it. They must determine WHAT would entice international companies (or tourists) to come to Kuwait. Can they own property here? No. Can they easily open businesses here? No. At the bare minimum - most of the time, you can't even find a good lawyer here to BEGIN the process because no one is willing to make it easier with information in English or proper listings. Perhaps the thought of creating a website (in English and Arabic) for the Kuwait Association of Lawyers would be too much to ask?
The Free Trade Zone was supposed to be established to eradicate these types of issues. Basically, it was an opportunity to part these companies with their money. Everything costs MORE in the FTZ, it takes over a year to get a business license, and international companies still cannot own land. Get your employees visas? No way.
What about recreation? Why would your employees choose to stay here and spend money in the local economy? As taboo as the subject of alcohol is here - sorry - but it is an aspect of most CULTURES. Many people of Western cultures socialize with/gather around alcohol. If you are going to basically tell people, "Sorry, you gotta go somewhere else...." - they are going to go somewhere else. Dubai, anyone?
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4 comments:
" As taboo as the subject of alcohol is here - sorry - but it is an aspect of most CULTURES. Many people of Western cultures socialize with/gather around alcohol. If you are going to basically tell people, "Sorry, you gotta go somewhere else...." - they are going to go somewhere else. Dubai, anyone? "
Kuwait does not have to give up in religion and culture to please others; I know many who have no problem in working in other countries with full respect to it's religion and culture; those who would better work here.
A change is good, thank you :)
True Faith - I completely agree. I believe that there are quite a few very devout Muslims living in the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar also - who are true to their cultures. God gives you the CHOICE to drink or not. If you, as a devout Muslim, see a bar - will you walk in and have a drink? Freedom of choice. Thanks for stopping by.
Purgy - you are welcome anytime! :)
Oh - and BTW - I wasn't referring to "pleasing others". I was referring to the increase in revenues to the host country brought in by affluent foreign workers and tourists; as the current Ruler of Kuwait is attempting.
The economies of Qatar, UAE, and Bahrian are booming (partly because they have allowed 100% foreign ownership and have become more flexible about tolerance of other cultures. These countries are no less religious or cultural countries than Kuwait.
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