NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 6 – The controversial China Square store located at the Unicity mall near Kenyatta University has been reopened, a week after it was closed indefinitely.
Talks between the Kenyan government and the Chinese Community ungrilled the deadlock over the opening of the Chinese mall that has caused an uproar among the local traders.
In a statement, the Kenya Chinese Chamber of Commerce mentioned they looked forward to equal and fair treatment to enable a conducive business environment.
“The Kenya Chinese Chamber of Commerce welcomes 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 and cooperation,” stated the Chinese Chamber of Commerce
Trade and Investment Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria had called for the mall’s closure, insisting that the Kenyatta University vice-chancellor buy out the lease from the Chinese Trader.
Kuria pushed for the lease to be handed over to the Gikomba, Nyamakima, Muthurwa, and Eastleigh traders, and potentially edge out the Chinese businessman.
On behalf of China Square, and the Chinese Business Community it was asserted that they would continue fostering collaboration between Kenya and China in promoting investment despite the hiatus that has unfolded in recent days.
“We appreciate Kenya’s government support in allowing the Chinese Community to do business and contribute to Kenya’s growth and development efforts through employment creation and contribution to Kenya’s tax revenue,” stated the Chinese Chamber of Commerce.
China had said a non-arbitrary and non-discriminatory investment environment is vital to the healthy development of bilateral practical cooperation between the two countries.
Wu Peng Director-General, Department of African Affairs, MFA, China said that through collective efforts, the cooperation will also benefit Kenya.
“I welcome the statement by Korir Sing’oei. A non-arbitrary & 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 peoples,” Peng said.
The ongoing drama has threatened to cause a diplomatic tiff between the two countries who have heavily invested in the country in recent years.
On 28th February, Small-scale traders held protests in the Nairobi CBD over what they termed as a business takeover by Chinese traders.
The Gikomba, Nyamakima, Muthurwa, and Eastleigh traders accused China Square, a business owned by Chinese investor Lei Cheng of unfair business competition.
On March 2nd, The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) released goods worth Sh50 million that were seized at China Square over claims that they were fake Finder Tools.
On February 16th, the goods were seized, after Smithmo lodged a complaint with the Anti-Counterfeit Authority.
The goods were released after they were confirmed to be original. The China Square had sourced from the original manufacturer and international brand owner of Finder Merchandise.
On February 26th, China Square suspended its operations citing public safety challenges.
The supermarket also cited the inability to provide sufficient payment processing facilities, a situation it noted had resulted in long queues which had negatively impacted customer experience.
