LONG-TERM TRUST
Thales is a recognized leader in digital solutions across a number of sectors and has proven technology that can aide governments in their transition toward a “digital first" world.
BIOGRAPHY
Alain Correia is Thales' Country Manager for Kuwait. Having graduated from the Institut Galilée, Université Paris Nord with a master’s degree in physics and applications, and from Conservatoire des Arts & Metiers of Paris with a PhD in telecommunications, Correia began his career in Cril Telecom Software, specializing in mobile planning and frequency management. He joined Thales in 2008 and was appointed Business Development Manager for the security and defense business unit in Brazil. Following a successful deployment, he was later named Sales Manager of Thales Communications & Security for Tactical Products covering the Middle East and Africa in 2012. In 2013, he was made Key Account Manager in Defense for Oman.To what extent are your Reality H FFMS and Trainer Stations improving Reality H FFMS and Trainer Stations activities?
Thales' Reality H FFMS simulator has been in service throughout the world, providing helicopter pilots with the required training to handle complex civilian missions. Through our military-ready version of the Reality H FFMS, which we provided to the Kuwaiti Armed Forces in 2017, we have been able to offer invaluable support to train a number of users on the latest fleet of helicopters. In creating an ultra-realistic tactical and visual environment, we are able to train pilots in a variety of emergency scenarios that cannot be easily accomplished on real helicopters.
In what ways is Thales collaborating with local authorities in Kuwait?
Thales has been present in Kuwait for over 30 years and has developed excellent working relationships with a number of authorities across the country. For example, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Kuwait Armed Forces are our long-standing partners. Thales is supporting the Kuwait Vision 2035 and is committed to accompanying the Kuwaiti government in its infrastructure modernization plan as a long-term, trusted partner.
What business strategy is Thales implementing in Kuwait and how is the company ensuring to capture a bigger market share?
By building on our decades-long presence in Kuwait and aligning with Kuwait's Vision 2035, our objectives are clear: we want to be a key pillar for competitiveness and growth in the country by developing our local expertise (industrial operations and services). We also want to contribute to the dynamics of Kuwait, by promoting and enhancing creativity, agility and nurturing our talent by fostering diversity. We align with Kuwait in terms of development, localization, industrialization, innovation, digitalization, agility, reactiveness, and homogeneity. Finally, we wish to strengthen our relationship with clients in defense, civil aviation, space, and aerospace.
What makes Kuwait an attractive destination for Thales' activities?
The government is ambitiously steering toward achieving the country's vision 2035 of 'New Kuwait' with a strong focus on infrastructure development. The vision includes a digital component with the transformation of Kuwait toward an ICT Hub and the development of the e-government project for the justice sector. As such, we have seen heavy investment in new technology supported by the government as an early consumer of new technologies. This ecosystem is one that aligns with our strategy and offering as Thales is a recognized leader in digital solutions across a number of sectors and has proven technology that can aide governments in their transition toward a 'digital first' world.
What areas of opportunities exist for Thales in Kuwait?
As Kuwait begins its diversification away from oil, the government is addressing its infrastructure development and tourism opportunities. With this, we see huge opportunities in the development of ports and specifically with the modernization of the airspace environment. In addition, the redevelopment of Northern Kuwait can potentially bring more opportunities. In line with Kuwait's Vision 2035, the government is keen to create a fertile hub for international foreign investments across the nation.
What are your expectations for the year ahead?
According to the IMF, the Kuwaiti economy is set to expand by 2.9% in 2019, following growth of 1.7% in 2018. This is a clear indicator that the Kuwaiti economy is robust considering the decline in oil prices. As a result, we are incredibly optimistic for the year ahead due to the number of projects in the pipeline coupled with the country's financial outlook. In addition, we are seeing that Kuwait's non-oil activity is supported by a healthy labor market and a large infrastructure push. Kuwait's fertile economy coupled with strong financial growth forecasts further cements its status as a regional powerhouse. We are delighted to be working hand-in-hand with Kuwait and its people to move forward in realizing Vision 2035. We are excited for what the future holds in 2019 and beyond.
LONG-TERM TRUST
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
