Kazakhstan and Vietnam are entering a new phase in their bilateral relationship, moving from political dialogue to concrete economic cooperation. This became clear following a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan Serik Zhumangarin and Permanent Deputy Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Nguyen Hoa Binh, DKNews.kz reports.
During the talks, both sides emphasized that over more than 30 years Kazakhstan and Vietnam have consistently developed political dialogue and strengthened intergovernmental and parliamentary cooperation. Today, this foundation is being transformed into ambitious economic goals.
A clear target: doubling trade by 2026
According to Serik Zhumangarin, the leaders of the two countries have set a clear vector for deepening cooperation, primarily in trade, investment, transport and logistics, agriculture, and information technologies.
Kazakhstan aims to double mutual trade turnover by 2026. To support this goal, Astana is ready to send a trade and economic mission to Vietnam in the middle of this year. The focus will be on launching new supply chains and identifying concrete investment opportunities rather than symbolic visits.
Kazakh wheat returns to the Vietnamese market
One of the most notable developments discussed at the meeting was the resumption of wheat exports. For the first time in eight years, Kazakhstan exported more than 15,000 tons of wheat to Vietnam.
In 2025, the first direct combined shipments of Kazakh grain were launched using multimodal logistics without reloading containers. This approach significantly reduced delivery time and costs. The experience is seen as an important step in positioning Kazakhstan as a reliable food supplier to Southeast Asian markets.
Expanding agricultural exports
The export potential is not limited to wheat alone. Kazakhstan sees opportunities to increase supplies of flour, meat and dairy products, as well as oilseeds.
In this context, the Kazakh side proposed accelerating the approval of an agreement on cooperation in veterinary services and signing it during the second meeting of the agricultural subcommittee. Such regulatory groundwork is essential for stable and large-scale agricultural trade.
The Middle Corridor as a logistics alternative
Transport and logistics were another key topic. Vietnamese partners were encouraged to make broader use of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, widely known as the Middle Corridor.
Compared to the southern maritime route, the Middle Corridor allows cargo delivery times to be reduced by three to four times. Kazakhstan expressed readiness to create optimal logistics conditions and to develop joint projects, including in light industry and automotive manufacturing.
Direct flights to boost connectivity
Air connectivity is also expected to improve. In 2026, VietJet Air plans to launch regular flights on the Hanoi – Almaty – Prague route.
In addition, the possibility of opening a direct flight between Astana and Hanoi is being considered, along with the restoration of the Almaty – Ho Chi Minh City route. These steps could provide a strong boost to business ties, tourism, and people-to-people contacts.
Vietnamese investment gains momentum in Kazakhstan
Investment cooperation between the two countries is already moving beyond intentions. Several projects involving Vietnamese capital are being implemented in Kazakhstan.
Among them are the construction of the Ak Bulak Village tourist complex in Almaty region and a food production plant in the Arna industrial zone of Konaev city. The latter project alone involves investments totaling 90 million US dollars.
Business council and financial cooperation
Both sides highlighted the key role of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation. The next meeting of the commission is expected to take place in June or July this year.
It was also proposed to sign a memorandum on the establishment of the Kazakhstan–Vietnam Business Council in 2025. The Vietnamese side supported the initiative, noting the significant potential for further growth in mutual trade.
Nguyen Hoa Binh emphasized the traditionally friendly nature of relations between Kazakhstan and Vietnam and confirmed Vietnam’s interest in expanding cooperation, including at the regional level. He also supported initiatives related to the development of the Middle Corridor and expressed interest in studying Kazakhstan’s experience in developing the Astana International Financial Centre in the context of plans to establish a financial hub in Ho Chi Minh City.
What this meeting signals
The talks demonstrated that Kazakhstan and Vietnam are moving toward a pragmatic, results-oriented partnership. Grain exports, logistics corridors, aviation links, investment projects, and financial cooperation are forming a new architecture of bilateral relations.
If the announced plans are implemented, Vietnam could become one of Kazakhstan’s key partners in Southeast Asia, while Kazakhstan strengthens its role as a reliable transit hub and food supplier for the region.
