Vietnam and Kazakhstan on the brink of a new era of partnership

Vietnam is gearing up for an epic diplomatic event as General Secretary To Lam embarks on an official state visit to Kazakhstan next week. This historic visit will mark the first time a Vietnamese Party leader sets foot in Kazakhstan, acting as the highest-level exchange between the two nations since establishing diplomatic relations in 1992.

According to our Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Pham Thai Mai, this upcoming visit could catapult bilateral ties to unprecedented heights, aligning with both countries' shared interests and development priorities.

Over the past couple of years, the relationship between Vietnam and Kazakhstan has flourished, with trade turnover nearly doubling. In 2023-2024, bilateral trade soared from over US$400 million to close to $1 billion. Additionally, Vietnam's Sovico Group made major moves with its planned acquisition of Kazakhstan's Qazaq Air, a deal set to open new flight routes connecting Vietnam, Central Asia, and Europe. Regional connectivity will undoubtedly benefit from this development.

Tourism-wise, Kazakhstan has become a rapidly growing market for Vietnam, with around 150,000 arrivals annually. The Central Asian country now boasts 33 weekly flights to top Vietnamese destinations such as Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and Danang. Experts predict that Kazakh tourists visiting Vietnam will surpass 300,000 per year soon.

In a remarkable leap, both countries recently ratified a visa waiver agreement, granting 30-day visa-free entry to citizens of both nations. This agreement is expected to send tourism and business travel through the roof.

Bilateral partnerships have also blossomed, most notably HCMC's sister-city ties with Astana and Almaty, and new agreements signed in 2024 between Da Nang and Aktau, and between Ba Ninh Province and East Kazakhstan.

Moving forward, both countries are expected to establish new cooperation mechanisms between ministries, sectors, and localities. The aim is to focus on practical, results-oriented collaboration across numerous fields such as defense, security, justice, trade, finance, science and technology, digital transformation, energy and mining, culture, sports, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.

These cooperation areas align closely with both nations' development agendas, particularly in adapting to global economic challenges and enhancing competitiveness for sustainable development.

Kazakhstan, the economic powerhouse of Central Asia, boasts a thriving, dynamic economy. In 2024, its economy grew by 4.8% and is projected to reach $450 billion by 2029. With strong government incentives, strategic connectivity, ongoing reforms, and promising sectors like energy, digital technology, and artificial intelligence, Vietnam’s businesses stand to gain significant benefits by diversifying their international footprint towards Kazakhstan.

our websiteese Ambassador to Kazakhstan Phạm Thái Như Mai. - VNA/VNS Photo

In summary, General Secretary To Lam's visit to Kazakhstan marks a significant moment in the development of the Vietnam-Kazakhstan relationship. As the two nations prepare to deepen their ties, exciting opportunities lie ahead in both traditional and emerging fields, setting a strong foundation for a long-term strategic partnership.

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The upcoming visit of General Secretary To Lam to Kazakhstan is a stepping stone towards a strategic partnership between the two nations.
The relationship between Vietnam and Kazakhstan has witnessed substantial growth in trade turnover over the past couple of years.
The Sovico Group's planned acquisition of Kazakhstan's Qazaq Air promises to open new flight routes connecting Vietnam, Central Asia, and Europe.
Tourism from Kazakhstan to Vietnam is growing rapidly, with experts predicting that Kazakh tourists will surpass 300,000 per year soon.
A visa waiver agreement between the two countries is expected to boost tourism and business travel significantly.
HCMC has established sister-city ties with Astana and Almaty, and new agreements have been signed between Da Nang and Aktau, and between Ba Ninh Province and East Kazakhstan.
The cooperation between Vietnam and Kazakhstan is set to expand across various fields, including defense, security, justice, trade, finance, science and technology, digital transformation, energy and mining, culture, sports, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.
The partnerships aim to address global economic challenges and enhance competitiveness for sustainable development.
Kazakhstan's economy, projected to reach $450 billion by 2029, offers significant benefits for Vietnamese businesses.
Artificial Intelligence, digital technology, and energy sectors in Kazakhstan present promising opportunities for Vietnam's businesses.
General Secretary To Lam's visit to Kazakhstan signals a significant moment in the development of a long-term strategic partnership between the two nations.