The Chinese Embassy in Kenya has weighed in on the ongoing controversy surrounding the infamous China Square shopping Center.
In a statement released on 1st March, the Chinese Embassy in Kenya noted that it fully supports deepening trade and investment between China and also the conducting of business by Chinese citizens in accordance to Kenya’s laws and regulations.
“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,” the statement read
The statement also urged the Kenyan Government to intervene and create an equal and business-friendly for Chinese investors and traders. “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,” Read the statement in part.
This statement comes after the Nairobi small scale traders protested earlier this week, against what they termed as the Chinese invasion into their businesses. The traders accused the owner of China square Lei Cheng of setting an unhealthy business competition for them by slashing the prices of products by almost half.
The protests led to a meeting between the traders and deputy president Rigathi Gachagua on Wednesday 1st March who assured the traders that the government is ready to get rid of any huddles threatening their businesses.
