Kuwait-China Infrastructure: China’s ambassador Yang Xin said Kuwait’s Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port on Bubiyan has moved into the implementation phase, after earlier damage during the Iran war; he added that new contracts for strategic projects are expected soon, alongside wastewater, housing and energy initiatives. Oil & Energy Tech: SLB won a seven-year Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) contract to evaluate and deploy advanced technologies and set up a dedicated facility in Ahmadi Innovation Valley, with work spanning AI, industrial connectivity, production optimisation, reservoir tech and water management. Kuwait Finance: VPBank signed a $1.44bn sustainability-linked loan (up from $1.2bn) with a three-year tenor, with pricing tied to annual targets for expanding green and social lending; SMBC acted as coordinator and facility agent. Regional Shipping/Geopolitics: Iran refused to meet US envoys in Doha and insisted the ceasefire terms must be settled first, while Qatar said the US side would meet mediators; the standoff is keeping Strait of Hormuz reopening and oil-price sentiment in focus. Business & Trade: Maritimo appointed KJM Marine as its exclusive dealer across the GCC and parts of the Middle East and Indian Ocean, expanding luxury yacht sales and after-sales support. Global Markets Watch: Primark’s Q3 update showed new stores supporting growth, but like-for-like sales fell 2.2% amid a tough consumer backdrop.