China’s Director-General of the Department of African Affairs of the Foreign Ministry, Wu Peng has called for tolerance and the creation of a non-discriminatory environment for businesses in both Kenya and China.
Wu Peng envoy noted that entrepreneurs needed to be accorded a warm welcome to set up their businesses in both countries as it would boost trade.
He said that Kenya was one of their biggest trade partners adding that they would continue fostering trade relationships between the two countries.
“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,” read the statement in part.
On the other hand, he noted that China was open to foreign investors even as he stated that a number of chain stores were run by non-residents.
The special envoy added that Kenya had also benefitted from some of the Chinese-run companies that set shop in Kenyan in recent years.
“Our commitment will translate into more favorable policies for foreign investors. International supermarkets, chain-stores can be seen everywhere in China and we welcome more to come.
“Brotherly bonds and fruitful outcomes are cornerstones of China-Kenya cooperation. The slogan of a famous Chinese ceramics factory in Kenya – Twyford tile is ‘Buy Local, Build Local’,” he added.
Peng’s response came amidst controversy over China Square which has seen its owner close the business temporarily.
The mall-based at Unicity – owned by Kenyatta University closed after Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria opined that the enterprise needed to be leased out to local traders to boost products made in the country.
