China Addresses China Square Business Dispute
The Chinese government has weighed in on the ongoing controversy surrounding the China Square shopping center in Nairobi and allegations that it is driving out of business Kenyan merchants.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Chinese Embassy in Kenya stated that Beijing fully supports the expansion of trade relations with Kenya and that Nairobi must protect the rights and interests of Chinese traders in the country.
The Chinese Embassy stated, “The Embassy has taken note of the recent situation regarding the “China Square” issue 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 by Kenyan laws.”
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“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, to promote China-Kenya practical cooperation and benefit our two nations and two peoples.”
Hundreds of small-scale traders protested in Nairobi’s central business district on Tuesday over the alleged business takeover by Chinese traders.
The irate merchants charged China Square, a company owned by Chinese investor Lei Cheng, with creating an unhealthy level of competition.
Wednesday, Vice President Rigathi Gachagua met with Nairobi merchants and assured them that the government is prepared to eliminate policies that threaten their businesses.
The DP stated that his office was always available to engage with the business owners and other Kenyans when he hosted the traders at Harambee House Annex for discussions on a variety of issues they deemed to impede 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 attended the meeting convened by the DP in response to the traders’ request for an audience (Cabinet Affairs).
The DP requested that the traders give the government three weeks to investigate the issues thoroughly and provide a detailed response to their concerns.
