Astana is positioning itself as a key logistics gateway between Asia and Europe by inviting Vietnam to make greater use of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, known as the Middle Corridor. By offering faster delivery times, diversified supply chains, and improved connectivity across Central Asia and the Caspian region, Kazakhstan aims to deepen trade ties with Vietnam while strengthening its role in regional transit and multimodal logistics.

Kazakhstan and Vietnam are stepping up economic cooperation as Serik Zhumangarin, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy, held talks with Vietnam’s Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

The sides highlighted steady growth in bilateral relations over the past 30 years. Zhumangarin said Kazakhstan aims to double mutual trade turnover by 2026 and plans to send a trade and economic mission to Vietnam later this year.

Trade momentum is already picking up. In 2025, Kazakhstan exported more than 15,000 tons of wheat to Vietnam for the first time in eight years, using multimodal logistics that significantly reduced delivery time and costs. Current export supplies also include flour, meat, dairy products, and oilseeds. Kazakhstan additionally proposed signing a Veterinary Cooperation Agreement at the next meeting of the agricultural subcommittee.

Transport and logistics featured prominently in the talks. Kazakhstan invited Vietnam to expand use of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor), which can cut delivery times by three to four times compared with southern sea routes. Astana expressed readiness to create optimal logistics conditions and develop joint projects, including in light industry and machine building.

Air connectivity is also set to expand. Regular VietJet Air flights on the Hanoi-Almaty-Prague route are scheduled to launch in 2026. Kazakhstan also proposed opening direct flights between Astana and Hanoi, as well as restoring the Almaty-Ho Chi Minh City route.

Vietnam is already investing in Kazakhstan through projects such as the Ak Bulak Village tourism complex in the Almaty region and a $90 million food production plant in the Arna industrial zone in Konayev.

Both sides underscored the importance of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, and Scientific-Technical Cooperation, with plans to hold its next meeting in mid-2026. They also agreed to sign a memorandum this year to establish a Kazakhstan-Vietnam Business Council, signaling a push toward more structured and long-term business engagement.