Wednesday, March 1, 2023 – The controversy surrounding China Square that has seen Kikuyu traders take to the streets to demonstrate against the Chinese invasion of their trading space and business has attracted the attention of China.
In a statement, China’s Director-General of the Department of African Affairs of the Foreign Ministry, Wu Peng, called for tolerance and the creation of a non-discriminatory environment for businesses in both Kenya and China.
The envoy noted that entrepreneurs needed to be accorded a warm welcome to set up their businesses in both countries as it would boost trade.
He opined that Kenya was one of their biggest trade partners adding that they would continue fostering trade relationships between the two countries.
Peng was responding to the controversy over China Square which is owned by Lei Cheng – a Chinese national.
“A non-arbitrary and non-discriminatory investment environment is vital to the healthy development of bilateral practical cooperation.
“I believe that through collective efforts, China-Kenya cooperation will better benefit both people,” read the statement in part.
On the other hand, he noted that China was open to foreign investors even as he stated that a number of chain stores were run by non-residents.
The special envoy added that Kenya had also benefited from some of the Chinese-run companies that set shop in Kenya in recent years.
China Square is based at Unicity Mall which is owned by Kenyatta University.
Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria opined that he had offered KU to buy out the lease of China Square and instead lease it to local traders.
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