Chance to enhance relations welcomed

"Beside traditional cooperation on energy and investment, there are some new sectors to be further strengthened, including finance, travel and people-to-people communication," he said.

Relations between the two nations have enjoyed favorable and stable development since diplomatic ties were established in 1992.

China shares more than 20 percent of Kazakhstan's external trade and is the country's largest trading partner. Chinese statistics show that the trade volume reached $25 billion in 2011 — a record high, and more than 60 times the figure for 1992.

There have been more than 25 meetings at head-of-state level between the two countries over the past 20 years.

Idrissov said: "We also cooperate in security areas, taking part in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Particularly, we work together to stress the three evils — extremism, terrorism and divisiveness.

"We share many policies in international relations. We view many international processes from the same angle as China, so the future of Kazakhstan-China relations is very bright."

Kazakhstan is rich in energy resources, especially in petroleum, gas and minerals and has been using these to improve its economy since becoming independent.

To attract more foreign investment and advanced new technologies and skills, Kazakhstan has opened up its economy, the minister said.

Kazakhstan's market economy reforms have seen it gradually become one of the most rapidly developing nations, with GDP growth of nearly 10 percent from 2003 to 2007 and more than 5 percent after the economic downturn in 2009.

Kazakhstan gained independence in 1991 after the collapse of the former Soviet Union. The country was so poor that the inflation rate from 1992 to 1995 was close to 3,000 percent, Idrissov said.

Cultural tolerance and a united goal to develop the economy helped contribute to the country's fast economic growth, the minister said.

Kazakhstan is a multi-ethnic, multireligious society with more than 100 ethnic groups and different religions.

"One cultural feature of Kazakhstan is that it is always at the crossroads of different cultures and different economic patterns and philosophies," the minister said.

Contact the writer at zhouwa@chinadaily.com.cn