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China Reacts On China Square Stand Off

SK 2 years ago 2 min read

The Chinese government has weighed in on the ongoing controversy surrounding Nairobi’s China Square shopping center and claims that the retail outlet is driving Kenyan merchants out of business.

The Chinese Embassy in Kenya stated on Wednesday that Beijing fully supports strengthening trade relations with Kenya, while adding that Nairobi should safeguard the rights and interests of Chinese traders in the country.

“The Embassy has taken note of the recent situation on the issue of “China Square”, and would like to reiterate that the Embassy supports deepening trade and investment cooperation between China and Kenya, and supports Chinese enterprises and Chinese citizens in conducting business in accordance with Kenyan laws and regulations,” said the Chinese Embassy.

“At the same time, we hope that the Kenyan government will protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises and Chinese citizens, and create an inclusive and friendly business environment, so as to better promote China-Kenya practical cooperation and bring benefit to our two countries and two peoples.”

Hundreds of small-scale merchants protested in Nairobi’s CBD on Tuesday against what they called a business takeover by Chinese traders.

The enraged traders accused China Square, a company controlled by Chinese investor Lei Cheng, of unfair competition.

On Wednesday, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua met with Nairobi traders and promised them that the government is ready to eliminate unfavorable policies that are threatening their businesses.

The DP said his office was always open for interaction with business owners and other Kenyans when he hosted the traders at Harambee House Annex for deliberations on a variety of issues they said were impediments to their businesses.

Cabinet Secretaries Kithure Kindiki (Interior and National Administration) and Alfred Mutua (Foreign and Diaspora Affairs), Trade Principal Secretary Alfred K’Ombudo, counterparts Abubakar Hassan Abubakar (Investment) and Julius Korir (Foreign and Diaspora Affairs) attended the meeting convened by the DP after the traders sought his audience (Cabinet Affairs).

The DP asked the traders to give the government three weeks to thoroughly investigate the issues and provide comprehensive input on their problems.