STORY: China's electric motorcycles win consumers in Iraq
SHOOTING TIME: Recent footage
DATELINE: April 27, 2024
LENGTH: 0:01:26
LOCATION: Baghdad
CATEGORY: ECONOMY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of a motorcycle shop at Baghdad
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): ALAA NADER HASSAN, Businessman
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): DHIYAA AL-IRAQI, Customer

STORYLINE:

Alaa Nader Hassan, a shop owner at Baghdad's al-Sadriya market, has switched from selling traditional gas-powered bikes to China-made electric motorcycles. 

Hassan explained that he opted for Chinese electric motorcycles for their quality, reasonable prices, and variety of options.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): ALAA NADER HASSAN, Businessman
"We shifted our focus to Chinese-made electric motorcycles and e-bikes for various reasons. These vehicles are environmentally friendly, utilize advanced technologies, help reduce congestion, and are cost-effective. Additionally, the relationships between Chinese factories and Iraqi merchants are excellent and there is mutual trust."

Decades of conflicts in Iraq have damaged infrastructure, worsening traffic issues in cities like Baghdad. 

In May 2023, the Iraqi government decided to ban the import of tuk-tuks and fuel motorcycles, opening the market for electric vehicles.

Dhiyaa al-Iraqi, a local resident, explored the features of these electric motorcycles, ready to buy one. He noted the rising popularity of Chinese electric motorcycles in Iraq.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): DHIYAA AL-IRAQI, Customer
"There are many new models. When I entered this store, I found about 20 types of electric motorcycles, with different sizes, batteries, and speeds, and they are well-received by local people here."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Baghdad.
(XHTV)