Miscellaneous
Table tennis as a bridge between business and international exchange
German-Chinese Economic Forum Unveiled at the Liebherr TTBL Final4 2026
The planned German-Chinese Economic Forum is a joint initiative of the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Frankfurt am Main, the Academy of German Global Market Leaders (ADWM), and the Table Tennis Bundesliga (TTBL). The new format was officially unveiled today as part of the Liebherr TTBL Final4 2026. The initiative aims to use sports as a trust-building platform for international dialogue between business, politics, and society.
Table tennis is the national sport in China and holds exceptionally high social and political significance there. At the same time, Germany boasts one of the world’s strongest—if not the strongest—table tennis leagues in the form of the Table Tennis Bundesliga (TTBL). This unique constellation creates a neutral and trust-based space for interaction between the two countries—especially in these geopolitically challenging times.
Against this backdrop, the planned German-Chinese Economic Forum was officially unveiled today as part of the Liebherr TTBL Final4 2026. This joint initiative of the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Frankfurt am Main, the Academy of German World Market Leaders (ADWM), and the Table Tennis Bundesliga (TTBL) aims to establish sports as a platform for international dialogue between business, politics, and society.
The Table Tennis Cup Grand Opening 2026 in Nuremberg is set to bring together all Bundesliga teams, top international players, and decision-makers from business, politics, and organized sports in one place for the first time. This setting will be utilized for a high-profile, exclusive German-Chinese Economic Forum.
“Sport connects people across cultural, political, and economic boundaries. Table tennis holds special social significance in China and can create a strong foundation for mutual trust and long-term cooperation,” explained Huang Yiyang, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Frankfurt am Main.
The strategic goal of the initiative is to build a sustainable long-term bridge between German companies, Chinese business partners, political decision-makers, and elite sports as an emotional anchor of trust.
A key pillar of this initiative is Timo Boll, ambassador for German table tennis, who has been fostering personal—but above all economic—relationships within the German-Chinese partnership for years: “Sports, and table tennis in particular, consistently serve as a gateway to significant economic cooperation. I have witnessed this time and again during my many travels and numerous conversations.”
“German small and medium-sized enterprises, in particular, thrive on international partnerships, technological openness, and resilient networks. The planned forum offers the opportunity to create new spaces of trust for economic cooperation between Germany and China,” said Dr. Walter Döring, Chairman of the Board of the Academy of German World Market Leaders.
The actual German-Chinese Economic Forum is scheduled for August 29–30, 2026, as part of the Table Tennis Cup Grand Opening in Nuremberg. A high-caliber group of participants from business, politics, organized sports, and international partner organizations is expected to attend.
Thematic focal points of the forum will include, among others:
- Sports as a Bridge Between Economic Regions
- Opportunities for the Economy Through International Exchange
- Trust as the Foundation of International Cooperation
“For many years, the TTBL has been synonymous with top-level international sports and strong German-Chinese ties in table tennis. With this new forum, we aim to use this unique platform specifically for economic and social dialogue for the first time,” explained Nico Stehle, Managing Director of the Table Tennis Bundesliga.
In the long term, the pilot project is intended to evolve into a permanent platform for German-Chinese exchange—including delegation trips, strategic networks, and regular event formats in Germany and China.
With the new forum, the initiators are sending a clear signal in support of constructive dialogue, international cooperation, and the unifying power of sports.
About the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Frankfurt am Main
The Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Frankfurt am Main promotes political, economic, cultural, and social relations between China and Germany. Its focus is particularly on expanding bilateral cooperation, fostering intercultural exchange, and supporting economic and institutional partnerships.
About the Academy of German Global Market Leaders (ADWM)
The Academy of German Global Market Leaders (ADWM) is a platform for exchange, networking, and knowledge transfer among leading small and medium-sized enterprises, the business community, academia, and politics. The ADWM’s goal is to sustainably strengthen the innovation and competitiveness of German global market leaders and hidden champions and to promote international cooperation.
About the Table Tennis Bundesliga (TTBL)
The TTBL is the top division in German table tennis and ranks among the strongest national leagues in the world. TTBL Sport GmbH, based in Fulda, is responsible for organizing and running the league’s matches, as well as for central marketing and sponsorship activities. This includes, in particular, the marketing of media rights and the further development of the league as an attractive sports and event product. Event highlights include the German Team Championship finals, the Liebherr TTBL Final4, as well as the Cup Grand Opening and the Liebherr Cup Final4.
