The National Fund for Small and Medium Enterprise Development announced Sunday the activation of its electronic integration system with the General Administration of Customs to automate duty exemption procedures for Fund-supported projects.

Key Details:

1. Operational Benefits

   • Immediate processing of customs exemptions (previously manual)

   • 24/7 digital access through Kuwait's National Single Window

   • Expected 70% reduction in clearance time for SME shipments

2. Strategic Impact

   • Aligns with Kuwait's Vision 2035 digital transformation goals

   • Enhances cross-governmental service integration

   • Reduces administrative burdens by an estimated 15,000 work hours annually

3. Performance Metrics

   • 828 exemption certificates issued (April 2024-March 2025)

   • KWD 726,000 (~USD 2.4M) in SME savings pre-automation

   • Pilot phase begins tomorrow, full launch next week

Executive Perspective:
Acting Director General Hiba Al-Rifai told KUNA:
"This digital leap reflects our commitment to creating an enabling ecosystem for entrepreneurs. The seamless customs linkage will accelerate startups' growth while supporting Kuwait's economic diversification."

Technical Specifications:

• Real-time data exchange between Fund and Customs platforms

• Automated eligibility verification for 120+ exemptible items

• Digital audit trail compliant with GCC customs protocols

Next-Phase Development:
The Fund will expand non-financial services, including:
✓ Export acceleration programs
✓ Digital mentorship platforms
✓ Supply chain integration solutions