مريم العوض التعاونيات عصب الاقتصاد الوطني ومبيعاتها تجاوزت المليار دينار خلال السنة المالية
The Kuwaiti cooperative sector is a cornerstone of the national economy, playing a vital role in supporting citizens and bolstering economic stability. Recent statements by the head of the Union of Consumer Cooperative Societies, Maryam Al-Awadh, highlight the significant contribution of these societies, with sales exceeding one billion dinars annually. This article delves into the details of the sector’s performance, the “Cooperation” brand, and the Union’s objectives, focusing on the increasing national content within الجمعيات التعاونية (cooperative societies).
The Economic Powerhouse of Kuwait: Cooperative Societies
Maryam Al-Awadh emphasized the crucial role of cooperative societies in supporting the national economy, describing them as “the nerve center of the national economy in Kuwait.” The sheer volume of sales – exceeding KD 1 billion in the last fiscal year – demonstrates the sector’s dynamism and importance. A single cooperative society recently achieved sales of KD 30 million, further illustrating the sector’s growth and impact. This success has fueled continued expansion in the number of societies, reflecting their significant economic and social contributions.
The growth isn’t just in volume; it’s also in the commitment to national products. Currently, 90% of products sold under the “Cooperation” brand are manufactured within Kuwait, a point of immense pride for the Union. This focus on local production strengthens the national economy and supports Kuwaiti businesses.
Expanding the “Cooperation” Brand: A Focus on National Products
The Union recently launched a tender for the supply of goods bearing the “Cooperation” logo. Initially, the 10-day bidding period proved insufficient, with only 9-10 companies submitting offers. The deadline was subsequently extended to December 11th, coinciding with the Union’s fiscal year-end on December 31st, 2025. The submitted bids remain unopened until the tender closes.
Currently, the “Cooperation” brand encompasses six core products: paper goods, detergents, aluminum foil, laundry detergent, and, most notably, “Cooperation” tissues – a staple product for 50 years. New products are continually added based on consumer needs, always prioritizing affordability and high quality. These منتجات التعاون (Cooperation products) are available to all shoppers at central markets, not just Kuwaiti consumers, but are strictly confined to cooperative societies and not sold through unregulated parallel markets.
Price Control and Quality Assurance
The pricing of “Cooperation” products is meticulously managed by a dedicated department – the Prices and Inspection Administration. This department analyzes costs, transportation expenses, compares prices with similar products, and negotiates with suppliers, all while maintaining a reasonable profit margin. The Union leverages its negotiating power to ensure competitive pricing without compromising on quality. Furthermore, contracts with suppliers explicitly prohibit the sale or export of “Cooperation” products outside of cooperative societies.
The Union’s Core Objectives: Coordination, Oversight, and Awareness
Al-Awadh clarified that the primary goal of the Union of Cooperative Societies is “coordination, oversight, and awareness.” Profit is not the primary driver. The law limits the profit margin on purchases to a maximum of 12%, ensuring that the majority of revenue is reinvested in social services, public facility improvements, landscaping, service expenses, Umrah trips, and national celebrations. This commitment to community benefit distinguishes التعاونيات الاستهلاكية (consumer cooperatives) from purely profit-driven businesses.
The Union is actively working to ensure compliance with these standards. Inspection teams are being deployed to all cooperative societies to verify adherence to Union guidelines. Price discrepancies for the same product are often traced back to societies sourcing products from companies outside the Union’s approved framework. In such cases, a “violation notice” is issued, and if the issue isn’t rectified, a report is submitted to the Minister of Affairs for further action.
Towards a Unified Digital Experience
Recognizing the growing importance of technology, individual cooperative societies are increasingly offering online applications with marketing promotions and delivery services. However, the Union envisions a unified digital platform to serve all 75 cooperative societies and their branches across Kuwait. This ambitious project requires a world-class company capable of integrating diverse automated systems and addressing the varying levels of digital activity among the societies. The Union acknowledges the need for further research and study before implementing such a platform.
The goal is to standardize the quality of services and facilities across all cooperative societies, ensuring they meet a level befitting Kuwait. Disparities in product offerings and building specifications are being addressed, with a focus on achieving greater uniformity.
Looking Ahead: Enhancing Communication and Transparency
The Union is also planning to launch an electronic version of its “Cooperation” magazine, complementing the existing print edition. The content will be enhanced through interviews with cooperative society pioneers to understand their needs, trends, and suggestions. This ongoing dialogue with stakeholders, through social media and direct engagement, is crucial for continuous improvement. This commitment to understanding the needs of members and consumers is central to the success of القطاع التعاوني (the cooperative sector).
In conclusion, the Kuwaiti cooperative sector is thriving, driven by a commitment to national products, community service, and continuous improvement. The Union’s focus on coordination, oversight, and awareness, coupled with its efforts to modernize and standardize services, positions the sector for continued growth and success in the years to come. The increasing percentage of national products within the “Cooperation” brand is a testament to the sector’s dedication to supporting the Kuwaiti economy and serving its citizens.
