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Kuwait reviews 5 year development plan

(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-12-01 17:27

KUWAIT CITY _ A Kuwaiti Cabinet minister says the government is reviewing a 35-billion dinar -- about $128 billion -- development plan because of lower oil prices and the effects of the global financial crisis.

Modhi al-Homoud, the minister of state for development, is quoted Monday in the Al-Qabas daily as saying that the review is "only normal" under the circumstances.

Her comments are the first indication that lower state income and the global financial meltdown are affecting Kuwait's ambitious plan to become a regional financial hub.

The plan begins fiscal 2009-2010 and ends 2013-2014. It includes building new cities, ports, a railway and an underground.

Kuwait is selling oil at below $50 a barrel, down from $135 in July.