STORY: Chinese-made guitars gain popularity in Russia through BRI
DATELINE: Sept. 20, 2023
LENGTH: 00:03:40
LOCATION: Moscow/GUIZHOU, China
CATEGORY: CULTURE/ECONOMY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Russia
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): ZHAO JIANFENG, Founder of Guizhou Zheng'an Natasha Musical Instrument Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
3. various of guitars
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Russian): GRIGORY NOVIKOV, Russian guitarist
5. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): ZHAO JIANFENG, Founder of Guizhou Zheng'an Natasha Musical Instrument Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
6. various of International Fingerstyle Competition
7. various of guitar production
8. SOUNDBITE 4 (Chinese): ZHU ZECHEN, Chinese guitar lover
9. SOUNDBITE 5 (Chinese): ZHAO JIANFENG, Founder of Guizhou Zheng'an Natasha Musical Instrument Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
10. SOUNDBITE 6 (Russian): GRIGORY NOVIKOV, Russian guitarist

STORYLINE:

Exquisite guitars crafted in southwest China's Zheng'an County have reached wider markets via the Belt and Road Initiative, fostering cultural bonds between the countries along its routes.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): ZHAO JIANFENG, Founder of Guizhou Zheng'an Natasha Musical Instrument Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
"This kind of guitar is currently available for sale in Russia. The distributor is named Grigory. He is also an artist. He has taught many students and organized many art festivals. Over the past two years or so in the market, we have received feedback from users, including some students and teachers. Some even wrote thank-you letters, expressing their fondness for our guitars. One of them was Grigory's student, very young, a teenage boy, and he has won a gold medal."

SOUNDBITE 2 (Russian): GRIGORY NOVIKOV, Russian guitarist
"This student has been studying with me online for many years, and won this year's comprehensive competition for young professionals in the field of art. He was using a guitar I lent him and he loved it. He used this guitar when recording videos and competitions. He used a Chinese guitar in the competition.
The Natasha Company offers a wide variety of guitars, including classical guitars and modern ones, such as double-top guitars. I believe this brand has great growth potential. I really like it. The instruments are unique and cater to both students and professionals.
Over the past three to four years, we've been importing small batches of Chinese guitars to Russia. Guitars have made their way into many music schools, and the Russian public has gradually become acquainted with Chinese guitars, and developed an interest in them."

SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): ZHAO JIANFENG, Founder of Guizhou Zheng'an Natasha Musical Instrument Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
"In terms of expanding our international business, we have actually been laying the groundwork for over five years. Our first project was the International Fingerstyle Competition. The first edition of the competition had participants from over 40 countries, including those involved in the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), such as Russia, Thailand, etc.
This competition allows more fingerstyle guitar users from various countries to learn about some elements of China, some aspects of Chinese culture, and the concepts embodied in some products made in China. This guitar on my hand is made of bamboo, inspired by the panda, which is an element unique to China."

SOUNDBITE 4 (Chinese): ZHU ZECHEN, Chinese guitar lover
"Wood has been the primary material for crafting guitars for many years. It has better stability. This is the first time I've seen an actual bamboo guitar. It could be a potential replacement for wooden ones."

SOUNDBITE 5 (Chinese): ZHAO JIANFENG, Founder of Guizhou Zheng'an Natasha Musical Instrument Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
"I'm grateful for the Belt and Road Initiative, which has strengthened the bonds between the countries along its routes. Through the guitar, we can share Chinese culture with other parts of the world."

SOUNDBITE 6 (Russian): GRIGORY NOVIKOV, Russian guitarist
"I must say, there is a great synergy here: efficiency, determination, and technology of the Chinese, combined with education from Russia or Europe. Together, this creates impressive results."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Moscow/Guizhou, China.
(XHTV)