The Middle East Association is delighted to be hosting Michael Aron, HM Ambassador to Kuwait since November 2008, for a VIP Lunch on Monday 12 October.  Michael Aron, who was in fact born in Kuwait, studied Arabic at Leeds University and worked in the Sudan before joining the Foreign Office in 1984. He has served at the UK Mission to the UN in New York and the UK Representation to the EU in Brussels as well as in Brazil and Jordan, where he was Deputy Head of Mission from 1999-2001. His wife also works for the FCO and is currently HM Ambassador to Belgium.

With its substantial oil reserves (9% of world total) and massive overseas investments, Kuwait is one of the richest countries in the world. While Kuwait’s banking sector in particular has been hit by the global economic crisis, the recently finalised five year development plan is expected to boost the economy and to kickstart major energy projects, although development is often slowed by tensions between parliament and government.  We look forward to HM Ambassador’s comments on recent political and economic developments, Kuwait’s efforts to encourage private sector growth and attract foreign investment, and business prospects for UK companies in this market.