The Chinese Embassy has come out to clarify its position regarding terminating funding for the Standard Gauge Railway over trade bans imposed by Kenya.
The foreign office has assured, through a statement, that Kenya’s fish ban will not affect the second phase of the ambitious government project.
The embassy was responding to media reports about an impending trade war between the two countries.
They further challenged local entrepreneurs to acknowledge the opportunities available in China for Kenyan products.
“We expect the participating Kenyan enterprises at the upcoming China International Import Expo in Shangai to take advantage of this opportunity to let Kenyan products be recognised by the Chinese market,” read the statement.
Acting Director General of the Kenya Fisheries Service Susan Imende had indicated that all applications would not be approved from next year
Acting Chinese Ambassador Li Xuhang reacted angrily warning that China could retaliate the same way it did when United States President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on the Asian giant economy.
"The Chinese Embassy has noticed that Kenya Fisheries Services issued a letter that all import applications for tilapia fish will not be approved into the country with effect from January 1, 2019,” the statement read.
President Uhuru Kenyatta had supported the move wondering why fish imports were flooding the market at the expense of local produce.
The strategy will be a much-needed boost for traders who have been complaining of an unconducive business environment created by importation of goods that are available locally.
