Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin held a meeting with the Permanent Deputy Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Nguyen Hoa Binh, El.kz cites primeminister.kz.
During the talks, it was noted that for more than 30 years Kazakhstan and Vietnam have consistently developed political dialogue and strengthened intergovernmental and interparliamentary cooperation.
According to Serik Zhumangarin, the leaders of the two countries have set a clear vector for further deepening cooperation, primarily in the areas of trade, investment, transport and logistics, the agro-industrial complex, and information technologies. Kazakhstan is aiming to double mutual trade turnover by the end of 2026 and is ready to send a trade and economic mission to Vietnam in the middle of the current year.
It was noted that Kazakhstan, for the first time in eight years, exported more than 15 thousand tons of wheat to Vietnam. In 2025, the first direct combined shipments of Kazakh grain were launched using multimodal logistics without container transshipment, which made it possible to reduce delivery times and costs. This experience is viewed as an important step in positioning Kazakhstan as a reliable food supplier to Southeast Asian countries.
Export potential may also be expanded through flour, meat and dairy products, as well as oilseeds. In this regard, the Kazakh side proposed to intensify coordination of the Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Veterinary Medicine and to sign it within the framework of the second meeting of the agriculture subcommittee.
In the transport and logistics sector, Vietnamese partners were invited to make broader use of the infrastructure of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (the Middle Corridor), which allows cargo delivery times to be reduced by three to four times compared to the southern sea route. Kazakhstan expressed readiness to create optimal logistics conditions and develop joint projects, including in light industry and automotive manufacturing.
It was also noted that in 2026 it is planned to launch regular VietJet Air flights on the Hanoi–Almaty–Prague route. In this context, it was proposed to consider opening direct air service between Astana and Hanoi, as well as restoring the Almaty–Ho Chi Minh City route.
Investment cooperation between the two countries is gaining new momentum. A number of projects with the participation of Vietnamese capital are being implemented in Kazakhstan, including the construction of the Ak Bulak Village tourist complex in Almaty Region and a food production plant in the Arna industrial zone of the city of Konaev, with a total investment volume of $90 million.
The parties emphasized the key role of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, and Scientific and Technical Cooperation and agreed to consider holding its next meeting in June–July of the current year. It was also proposed to sign a Memorandum on the establishment of the Kazakhstan–Vietnam Business Council this year.
Nguyen Hoa Binh noted the traditionally friendly nature of relations between Kazakhstan and Vietnam and confirmed interest in further expanding cooperation, including interregional interaction. He supported initiatives to develop the Middle Corridor and also expressed interest in studying Kazakhstan’s experience in developing the Astana International Financial Centre in the context of creating a financial center in Ho Chi Minh City.
Following the meeting, the Vietnamese side supported the establishment of the Kazakhstan–Vietnam Business Council and noted significant potential for further increasing the volume of mutual trade.