“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,” – Chinese Embassy in Kenya
Controversy ridden China Square on Thika Road is set to re-open next week after the Chinese Embassy wrote a tough protest letter warning against discrimination of its citizens doing legal businesses.
In a statement to the Kenyan government, the Chinese Embassy said it hoped the Kenyan government will protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises and Chinese citizens.
The Chinese Embassy in Kenya wants the Kenyan government to create an inclusive and friendly business environment so as to better promote China-Kenya practical cooperation to benefit the two countries and their people.
In addition, the Embassy said it supports Chinese enterprises and Chinese citizens in conducting business in accordance with the Kenya laws and regulations.
The Chinese appear to be responding to threats by Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria who sought to have the Chinese national operating the China Square evicted, and the mall space allocated to local traders.
The operations of the Chinese Square angered traders from Nyamakima, Gikomba and Kamukunji who resorted to street demonstrations in Nairobi on Tuesday protesting over what they termed as Chinese Invasion of the retail business.
On Wednesday their leaders met the Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua who told them to retreat and give the government three weeks to resolve the matter. He added they do not want to antagonize relations with friendly nations.
The Anti-Counterfeit Authority has also released the Sh 50 million goods that it had carted away following claims that they were not genuine, paving way for the re-opening of the store that has taken the Nairobi retail business by storm.
“We would like to clarify that the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has released the goods seized at the China Square worth Sh 50 million…ACA conducted a thorough investigation and verified the sources of goods and we can confirm they are authentic,” said the statement signed by ACA CEO Dr Robi Mbugua.
