Kazakhstan and Vietnam to Expand Air Connectivity and Boost Trade Turnover

Air connectivity between Kazakhstan and Vietnam is set to expand, with potential direct flights being established between Astana and Hanoi. This was announced following negotiations between Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin and Vietnam’s Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the launch of regular flights by VietJet Air on the Hanoi – Almaty – Prague route later this year. Furthermore, the Kazakh side proposed the restoration of the Almaty – Ho Chi Minh City route and the establishment of a direct air link between the capital, Astana, and the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi.

As part of economic cooperation, Kazakhstan aims to double mutual trade turnover. The country intends to expand its export potential by increasing supplies of flour, meat, and dairy products. In the logistics sector, the use of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route was proposed. This route allows for cargo delivery times to be reduced by 3-4 times compared to the southern sea route.

Investment partnership is also developing rapidly. Currently, the "Ak Bulak Village" tourist complex is under construction in the Almaty region with Vietnamese capital. Meanwhile, a food production plant worth 45.6 billion tenge ($90 million) is being built in the city of Konayev.

Concluding the negotiations, the parties agreed to sign a memorandum on the establishment of the Kazakhstan-Vietnam Business Council. Additionally, the Vietnamese side expressed strong interest in studying the experience of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) to help establish a financial hub in Ho Chi Minh City.