Chinese Govt responds after protests over China Square
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Chinese Govt official responds to China Square controversy after protests calling for tolerance and non-discriminatory
Chinese Govt official responds to China Square controversy after protests calling for tolerance and non-discriminatory.
Wu Peng, Director-General of the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s Department of African Affairs, urged tolerance and the establishment of an inclusive business environment for both Kenya and China.
The envoy stated in a statement dated February 28 that entrepreneurs should be given a warm welcome to open their enterprises in both countries as it would increase 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 around China Square, which is owned by Chinese national Lei Cheng.
“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 benefitted from some of the Chinese-run companies that set shop in Kenyan in recent years.
“Our commitment will translate into more favourable policies for foreign investors. International supermarkets, chain-stores can be seen everywhere in China and we welcome more to come.
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“Brotherly bonds and fruitful outcomes are cornerstones of China-Kenya cooperation. The slogan of a famous Chinese ceramics factory in Kenya – Twyford tile is ‘Buy Local, Build Local’,” he added.
Peng’s response came amidst controversy over China Square which has seen its owner close the business temporarily.
The mall-based at Unicity – owned by Kenyatta University closed after Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria opined that the enterprise needed to be leased out to local traders to boost products made in the country.
Following his statements, traders based in Gikomba and Nyamakima took to the streets to demand the closure of the mall as they alleged favoritism towards businesses owned by non-residents.
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