Mr. Jiang Yuntao, Chairman of Chinese Enterprise Association (Tanzania), has described the 13th Annual China Enterprises Basketball Tournament as a vital platform for promoting unity, cooperation, and team spirit among Chinese enterprises operating in Tanzania.
Speaking during the official opening of the tournament at Don Bosco Grounds, Oysterbay, Mr. Jiang said the event has grown beyond sport to become a tradition that strengthens ties between the Chinese business community and their Tanzanian hosts.
“This basketball tournament has become an important platform for unity, cooperation, and team spirit among Chinese enterprises in Tanzania. It is also an opportunity for us to integrate with the local community,” Mr. Jiang said.
The tournament was officially opened by Gerson Msigwa, Government Spokesperson and Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports Permanent Secretary in the presence of Her Excellency Chen Mingjian, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Tanzania, senior government officials, business leaders, and partners including Stanbic Bank Tanzania.
Msigwa said sports remain one of the most powerful tools for building friendship and mutual understanding between nations.
“China and Tanzania enjoy a long-standing comprehensive strategic partnership. Events like this are among the strongest bonds of friendship and cooperation between the people of Tanzania and our friends from China,” he said.
He further noted that the tournament proves the commitment of Chinese enterprises not only to business success, but also to building stronger communities.
“With these few words, I now have the great honor to officially declare the 13th Annual China Enterprises Basketball Tournament open.”
H.E. Ambassador Chen Mingjian commended the organisers and sponsors for sustaining the tournament for 13 years.
“The relationship between China and Tanzania is deep-rooted, and it grows stronger through moments like these, where sport unites us in a spirit of goodwill and mutual respect,” Ambassador Chen said.
Stanbic Bank Tanzania, a key partner, also handed over a TZS 30 million sponsorship and fielded its own team.
Ester Manase, Head of Corporate & Investment Banking, said the Bank’s involvement demonstrates genuine and enduring engagement with the Chinese community.
The tournament, organized by the Chinese Enterprise Association (Tanzania), will run from August 1 to August 8, 2026.
Matches will be played on Saturday August 1, Sunday August 2, Tuesday August 4, Thursday August 6, Friday August 7, and Saturday August 8 at Don Bosco Court, with finals on the closing day.
