The Kenya Chinese Chamber of Commerce (KCCC) has issued a statement regarding business resumption at China Square, Unicity Mall.
This follows a resolution by the Kenyan government and Chinese traders to crack the deadlock on business operations.
The letter indicates that the shopping centre will reopen its doors on March 6th after being shut for a week.
“We welcome the good news on the resumption of operations of China Square. This follows several engagements between the Kenya Government and the Chinese Community in Kenya to reach an amicable solution to the stalemate,” the notice read in part.
Noting that the move would help bolster the country’s economic development, KCCC expressed their gratitude to the Kenyan government for permitting and supporting the Chinese community to conduct business in Kenya.
“The Chamber will continue to foster collaboration between our two countries in promoting Investments, Trade and Tourism between Kenya and China,” it read.
Furthermore, Chinese traders expressed their wish to conduct business in a safe and conducive environment. They emphasized the importance of receiving equal and impartial treatment in their business dealings.
“We look forward to an equal and fair treatment of all businesses across the board to ensure a conducive business environment for all and promote cordial relationships based on mutual trust and benefit.”
Trade and Industrialization Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria shut down China Square on grounds that Chinese traders were taking customers from businesses around downtown Nairobi.
His earlier intentions were to take over the Chinese owned store, and lock out Chinese traders. The CS stated he would buy all the spaces and reserve them for Kenyan traders.
“I have today given an offer to Prof. Wainaina the VC Kenyatta University to buy out the lease for China Square and hand it over to the Gikomba, Nyamakima, Muthurwa and Eastleigh Traders Asscociaton,” he wrote on his Twitter.
“We welcome Chinese investors to Kenya as manufacturers not as traders.”
Days later, the CS made a U-turn on his remarks, claiming to offer help to Lei Cheng, the owner of China Square, to invest in Kenya and expound his businesses.
READ: Meet China Square owner Cheng Lei selling Sh. 10 million goods on a bad day
“I will assist China Square Owner Mr. Cheng to set up a manufacturing plant in Kenya and work on a distribution partnership with Gikomba, Nyamakima, Kamukunji, Muthurwa and River Road Traders,” he said.
A week later, the government has reopened China Square and expect a cordial environment for Chinese and Kenyans to conduct businesses.
