Sunday, May 4, 2025
Vietnam’s Top Leader to Embark on Landmark Visit to Kazakhstan, Ushering in a New Era of Bilateral Cooperation
Vietnam’s General Secretary is set to make an official state visit to Kazakhstan next week, signaling a major milestone in the diplomatic relationship between the two nations. The highly anticipated trip is expected to strengthen political confidence and open new avenues for collaboration across a wide range of sectors.
The visit, extended at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, will be the first ever by a Vietnamese Party leader to Kazakhstan. This historic engagement marks the highest-level interaction between the two countries since formal diplomatic ties were established in 1992.
In the lead-up to the visit, Vietnam’s Ambassador to Kazakhstan highlighted the steady progress in bilateral relations, expressing optimism that this new chapter would bring both nations closer in line with their shared strategic interests. Trade and investment links have notably advanced in recent years, reflecting a deepening partnership with strong potential for expansion.
Bilateral trade has seen remarkable growth, nearly doubling in just a year—from over $400 million in 2022 to close to $1 billion by the end of 2023 and into 2024. This sharp increase underscores the mutual commitment to economic cooperation and sets the stage for even greater commercial exchange in the future.
On the investment front, Vietnamese conglomerate Sovico Group has made headlines by moving to acquire Kazakhstan’s Qazaq Air. The deal is poised to open new air routes connecting Vietnam with Central Asia and Europe, significantly improving regional air connectivity. Other Vietnamese businesses are also eyeing Kazakhstan’s promising markets, particularly in industries such as oil and gas, real estate, tourism, and food services.
Tourism has become another bright spot in bilateral ties. In October 2022, Vietjet Air inaugurated direct flights between Almaty and Cam Ranh City, marking the beginning of greater travel between the two countries. Kazakhstan has rapidly emerged as a vital tourism market for Vietnam, with approximately 150,000 Kazakhstani visitors annually. Flight connectivity has expanded to 33 flights per week, linking key Vietnamese cities including Nha Trang, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc. Forecasts suggest that the number of Kazakh tourists could surpass 300,000 annually in the near term.
Travel between the two nations received an additional boost with the ratification of a mutual visa exemption agreement in 2024. The policy allows citizens of both countries to travel visa-free for up to 30 days, further easing mobility and boosting business, tourism, and cultural exchanges.
At the local level, partnerships are also flourishing. Ho Chi Minh City has formalized sister-city ties with both Astana and Almaty. Additionally, new cooperation agreements have been inked between Da Nang and Aktau, and between Bac Ninh Province and East Kazakhstan, demonstrating the growing interest in grassroots engagement and regional collaboration.
Looking forward, both countries aim to deepen cooperation through practical, action-oriented initiatives at various levels—from ministries and businesses to provinces and cities. The upcoming state visit is expected to be a catalyst for many of these efforts.
During the visit, the two sides are anticipated to sign a series of important agreements spanning a wide range of areas, including national defense, trade and finance, science and technology, digital transformation, mining, culture, sports, tourism, and energy. These partnerships are aligned with the development strategies of both countries, especially as they navigate an increasingly complex global economic landscape.
Kazakhstan continues to stand out as Central Asia’s most vibrant economy. With a growth rate of 4.8% in 2024 and a projected GDP of $450 billion by 2029, the country offers a fertile environment for foreign investors. Strategic location, economic reforms, and favorable investment conditions make Kazakhstan an appealing destination for Vietnamese enterprises—particularly in high-tech, digital, and energy sectors.
As Vietnam and Kazakhstan look to the future, the General Secretary’s visit is poised to lay a strong foundation for a strategic, long-term partnership. With ties expanding in both traditional sectors and emerging industries, this visit could mark a transformative moment in the evolution of Vietnam–Kazakhstan relations.
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