DEFYING THE ODDS
Defiant International is trying to build capital to start exporting pharmaceuticals from Kuwait to Iraq, in desperate need of basic medicines.
BIOGRAPHY
Mofeeda Al Aradi is a partner and the managing director of Defiant International. She obtained a BA in international relations from the American University of Kuwait. She has experience working for NGOs in Brussels and Washington DC and has occupied different positions at family-owned businesses operating in Kuwait and Iraq.How difficult was it for you to establish your business and obtain your general trading license?
It was relatively easy. The new laws and partial digitization of government have helped streamline the process, cutting out much of the time and middlemen expenses. A significant reform that I found was extremely enabling is the elimination of the KWD50,000 (USD164,430) bank block prerequisite for issuing a license. Previously an SME would be required to deposit KWD50,000 to any bank and have the capital blocked before even starting with the legal process of establishing the company. This amount excludes the processing fees and the office rental requirement, and thus for a small business to start, entrepreneurs needed to start with a minimum of KWD55,000 (USD180,873). Even then, it would take from three to six months to set up. The previous policies have prevented many people from starting their own businesses; instead, we had to live in the shadows of our families or under the guardianship of the government.
What potential challenges did you encounter when entering pharmaceutical products in Iraq?
So far, I have not encountered any challenges. My partner in Iraq is connected to a vast network of physicians and pharmacists with which she has a good business relationship. Honesty and integrity facilitate these good relations, and with hard work we aim to expand the network of partnerships.
What was your approach when looking for a partner in Iraq?
I was fortunate in the sense that my partner in Iraq was actually the one who had approached me. My family owns one of the oldest pharmaceutical companies in Kuwait, and in 2005, I had attempted through my previously owned company to export specialized baby food to Iraq, including formula for premature babies, babies with lactose intolerance, and other formulas for babies with various deficiencies. I took several trips to Baghdad, assessing the need for such products and the market capacity. My attempts were unsuccessful despite the extremely high demand for such products and the low prices we provided. My Iraqi partner was aware of my attempts and core objectives before she had approached me. During the process though, the challenges I faced were mostly related to the limited information available by government institutions and the lack of clarity on policies and regulations. It is a mystery to uncover. Another challenge is the budgeting for government expenses. Between buying stamps, paying by KNet, and sometimes paying in cash, its difficult to estimate a budget for official processes; I often walk into the process like a blind person not knowing what everything costs or if I should carry cash.
In light of the significant demand for pharmaceuticals in Iraq, how is Defiant International bridging the gap between GCC distributors and the Iraqi market?
The shortage in pharmaceuticals in Iraq is a serious one. The Iraqi population has suffered tremendously under Saddam, and even worse after the 2003 war. Iraqis suffer from climate change-related diseases such as asthma and lung infections, diseases relating to poor nutrition such as diabetes, in addition to various cancers that are on the rise. Being under UNSC Chapter 7 sanction is exacerbating the critical situation. Due to these sanctions, the much-needed pharmaceutical products do not make it to the shelves in Iraq. These particular circumstances have presented an opportunity for my partner and I.
What are your principal objectives for the year ahead?
Aside from maintaining and expanding the relationships we have in Iraq, my principal objective this year is to find a bank willing to finance these operations. So far, purchases have been paid for 100% upfront, limiting the size and scope of our operations.
DEFYING THE ODDS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Interview
Adel Abdul Wahab Al-Majed , Chairman, Kuwait Banking Association (KBA)
Through a broad array of information, specialized committees, staff expertise, and other resources, KBA supports Kuwait's banks as they perform their critical role in energizing the economy and helping communities thrive.
read articleInterview
Sheikh Dr. Meshaal Jaber Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, Director General, Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA)
KDIPA adopts a proactive approach to attract value-added direct investments supported by an integrated promotional strategy serving Kuwait's developmental goals in line with its National Vision 2035.
read articleCommuniqué
Legal Reform and Infrastructure Projects Spell Opportunity for Foreign Investors
Along with the introduction and modernization of new laws and regulations, the vision of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to transform Kuwait into an international center for commerce and industry by 2035 is already being implemented through Kuwait's National Development Plan. Coupled with the promulgation of progressive FDI regulations, these new opportunities spell positive news for foreign companies looking to conduct business in Kuwait.
read articleFocus: Developing connectivity
Connecting the Dots
Today, connectivity is hardly indispensible for individuals and the companies where they work. Kuwait's smart cities, considered elsewhere in the book, will thrive on it, and meanwhile the nation continues to register notable business deals from the informatics sector.
read articleInterview
Khalid Abbas , Country Manager-Kuwait, Unilever
Contributing to the improved health and wellbeing of communities and reducing environmental footprint are key priorities for Unilever, which is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of up to 1 billion people globally by 2020.
read articleInterview
Mohammed Yousif Soud Al-Sabah , Board Chairman & Director, Public Authority of Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR)
PAAAFR has adapted a package of policies to face challenges inherent to deserts, hot climate, and water scarcity, bringing Kuwait closer to achieving national food security, one step at a time.
read articleInterview
Yang Chunsen, Vice President/ Chief Representative, China State Construction Engineering Corporation Middle East (CSCME) Kuwait
CSCME is a technology-driven company that leverages its R&D and long-standing partnership with the government to increase its participation in the future development of Kuwait.
read article
