Kuwait working on law to tap a $700-bn fund to help balance budget

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  • Kuwait Investment Authority, which manages the fund, said withdrawals won’t affect its durability

  • Proposed law one of many financial reform measures under consideration

RIYADH: Kuwait’s finance ministry is working on a law that would allow the government to tap the $700-billion Future Generations Fund in times of need.

The Kuwait Investment Authority, which manages the fund said the withdrawal from the fund would be a temporary measure that won’t affect its durability even though the reserve will be affected.

The legislation is one of the financial reform measures under Kuwaiti government’s consideration.

Bloomberg reported that a delay to the proposed law that would allow the government to borrow or withdraw from the fund has left the treasury cash-strapped amid increased spending during the pandemic and delayed reforms.

On Friday, ratings agency S&P Global Ratings cut Kuwait’s rating by one notch, citing the Gulf state’s lack of a funding strategy to finance its deficit.

Hit hard by lower oil prices and the COVID-19 pandemic last year, Kuwait faces liquidity risks. (With inputs from Bloomberg, Arab News)

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