Kazakhstan-Vietnam Relations: Trade, Connectivity, and Strategic Partnership
Strengthening Ties: Vietnam’s General Secretary to Visit Kazakhstan
ASTANA — To Lam, the General Secretary of the 13th Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is set to make a state visit to Kazakhstan from May 5 to 7, following an invitation from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. This visit is poised to further enhance the relationship between the two nations, which has been flourishing since the establishment of diplomatic relations in June 1992.
A Foundation of Cooperation
Since 1992, Kazakhstan and Vietnam have built a strong legal framework for collaboration, signing over 50 treaties and agreements spanning various sectors. This robust foundation underscores the commitment of both nations to foster deeper ties across political, economic, and cultural spheres.
Trade Relations on the Rise
Vietnam stands as one of Kazakhstan’s foremost partners in Southeast Asia. In 2023, bilateral trade reached a substantial $859.4 million, with Kazakhstan exporting goods worth $205 million to Vietnam, primarily unprocessed lead, ferroalloys, and silkworm cocoons. In January and February of this year alone, trade turnover between the two countries amounted to $132.2 million, indicating a promising start to 2024.
Enhanced Connectivity
The agreement on visa exemption for national passport holders that came into effect in May 2024 marks a significant milestone in travel facilitation between the two countries. Citizens can now enjoy stays of up to 30 days per visit, promoting tourism and business exchanges.
Additionally, direct flights have resumed, with Kazakhstan’s Sunday Airlines and Vietnam’s VietJet Air providing multiple weekly connections between major cities. Recent announcements from Air Astana suggest further expansion of air travel, introducing a new Almaty-Da Nang route in June.
Advancing Scientific Collaboration
In the realm of education and research, cooperation has intensified following a memorandum signed between the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies and the Ho Chi Minh National Political Academy. This partnership will foster knowledge exchange on critical issues such as agro-industrial development and investment opportunities.
Future Prospects
During the upcoming high-level discussions in Astana, President Tokayev and To Lam will explore avenues for enhancing trade, economic, and humanitarian cooperation. Additionally, To Lam is scheduled to attend a military parade on May 7, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
As the two nations continue to build on their shared history, the upcoming visit by To Lam is expected to pave the way for a brighter and more cooperative future between Kazakhstan and Vietnam.
