Kazakhstan hopes to optimize and diversify its trade with China and bring their strategic partnership to a new level in years to come, Nurlan Ermekbaev, the country's ambassador to China said Friday.

"The trade volume between China and Kazakhstan reached $25 billion in 2011, over 60 times more than in 1992 when the two countries established diplomatic ties," Ermekbaev told reporters at a press conference in Beijing.

"This is a huge boost and the next step for us is to optimize and diversify such a relationship by trading more high-tech and high value-added products," he noted.

Ermekbaev said the leaderships of both countries are devoted to creating a better investment environment.

At the moment, Sino-Kazakh investment and economic cooperation mainly revolves around energy, infrastructure building and transportation, he noted. "China's investment in these fields has created many job opportunities in Kazakhstan over the years."

The first Astana-Beijing direct flight was established on Friday, linking the two capitals.

The second cross-border railroad between China and Kazakhstan is also set to enter operation later this year.

The ambassador believed this could definitely inject new energy into trade and economic ties between the two countries.

He also hoped the peoples of China and Kazakhstan, especially the younger generations, could step up their understanding and communication. "This is as important as the building of trust between top leaders of our two countries," he said.

The Embassy of Kazakhstan on Friday also launched its official microblog through People's Daily Online.

Ermekbaev attended the ceremony and expressed his belief that this could help Chinese people better understand his country.