China, Kazakhstan seek stronger economic collaboration

Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli (R) meets with Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Aset Isekeshev, who is also minister of industry and trade, in Beijing, capital of China, April 3, 2014. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli on Thursday met with Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Aset Isekeshev in Beijing on seeking stronger economic collaboration between the two neighbors.

Zhang reviewed Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Kazakhstan last year and said the leaders' meeting this year will inject vitality into bilateral relations.

Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev is scheduled to visit China this May to attend the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA).

Hailing Kazakhstan as China's important neighbor and strategic partner, Zhang said China gives priority to developing ties with Kazakhstan and regards it as a vital partner in building the new silk road economic zone.

Zhang said the two countries have a broad prospect for collaboration in energy, transportation, communication, investment, agriculture, finance and tourism.

He called on the two countries to facilitate their peoples' visits and promote common prosperity.

Isekeshev, who is also minister of industry and trade, said China has become Kazakhstan's most important trade and investment partner.

Kazakhstan will implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state and further deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, he said.

He said that Kazakhstan is willing to learn from China's successful experience of economic development and will continue to introduce China's investment and high-tech into Kazakhstan to promote already fruitful cooperation in various fields.