Chinese Embassy in Kenya urged the Kenyan government to protect the interests of Chinese enterprises and Chinese citizens in the wake of recent controversy surrounding China Square.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, March 1, the embassy noted that creating a business-friendly environment would strengthen the bilateral ties between the two nations.
In addition, such a conducive environment would bolster China-Kenya for the benefit of both countries.
The Embassy also challenged Chinese nationals in the country to conduct business in accordance with Kenyan laws and regulations.
"The Embassy has taken note of the recent situation on the issue of "China Square", 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 in accordance with Kenyan laws and regulations," the statement read in part.
The Embassy urged the government of President William Ruto to intervene and create an equal and business-friendly for Chinese investors and traders.
"... 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, so as to better promote China-Kenya practical cooperation and bring benefit to our two countries and two peoples," the statement read in part.
The embassy's statement was echoed by China's Director-General of the Department of African Affairs of the Foreign Ministry, Wu Peng, who called for tolerance and the creation of a non-discriminatory environment between the two nations.
"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," he stated.
The special envoy added that Kenya had also benefitted from some of the Chinese-run companies that set shop in Kenyan in recent years.
China Square on Sunday, February 26, announced its indefinite closure after reviewing its business model.
The closure came days after Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria stated that he had offered Kenyatta University to buy out the lease of China Square and instead lease it to local traders.
