Speaking at the joint business roundtable with the participation of nearly 100 Vietnamese and Kazakhstani businesses in Astana on May 6, Lam introduced Vietnam’s socio-economic developments, stating that after nearly four decades of implementing the Đổi Mới (Renovation) process, the country has achieved remarkable progress.

Its GDP in 2024 reached approximately US$476.3 billion, and per capita income rose from US$160 in 1987 to over US$4,700 last year, a nearly 30-fold increase. Vietnam now ranks among the world’s top 20 trading economies, with a total trade turnover hitting US$786.3 billion and a trade surplus of US$24.7 billion last year.

To date, Vietnam has signed 17 free trade agreements (FTAs) with over 60 countries and territories, including the world’s largest markets, and continues to diversify its markets, products, and supply chains. It has attracted investment from 150 countries and territories, totalling over US$507 billion in registered capital. In 2024 alone, foreign direct investment reached US$38.23 billion, with disbursements hitting a record-high US$25.35 billion, up 9.4% year on year.

In terms of investment environment, he said, Vietnam is highly rated by the international community and foreign investors. Many have chosen Vietnam as a strategic manufacturing hub connected to global supply chains. Vietnam is increasingly asserting its role as a key link in global value chains and in the new global investment structure, particularly in electronics, science and technology, innovation, semiconductors, and clean energy.

The country has made significant progress in global rankings and is viewed favourably by many reputable international organisations. He cited a recent survey by the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), saying Vietnam is the second most attractive investment destination globally and the top in Asia. Meanwhile, The European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham) also ranks Vietnam among the world’s top five.

After outlining major achievements in politics, diplomacy, culture, society, science, and technology between Vietnam and Kazakhstan, the General Secretary said there remains great potential for further bilateral cooperation. He highlighted favourable conditions to promote investment and trade relations, including fine political ties, open economies, compatibility with international trade principles, members of the Vietnam–Eurasian Economic Union FTA, and increased air connectivity.

According to the leader, Astana is operating a successful International Financial Centre (IFC) while Vietnam is building its own in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. Vietnam hopes to learn from Kazakhstan’s experience and enhance cooperation with the Astana IFC in areas like capital markets, fintech, and green finance, said Lam.

He again affirmed that Vietnam always values the important role of Kazakhstan in Central Asia and wishes to elevate cooperation to be commensurate with the established Comprehensive Partnership.

For his part, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister Yermek Kosherbayev stressed the numerous opportunities for Vietnamese investors, particularly in forming joint ventures in agricultural production and processing, as well as applying water-saving and innovative agricultural technologies. As a leader in information technology services, he proposed enhanced cooperation in developing e-government, sharing advanced experiences, launching next-generation digital services, and integrating AI into public administration.

He called on Vietnamese firms to develop successful businesses in Kazakhstan, and assured that the Kazakh government will create all favourable conditions for Vietnamese firms to do businesses successfully in the country.

At the end of the event, the leaders of the two countries witnessed the signing and handover of several cooperation documents between Vietnamese and Kazakhstani firms.

Party leader To Lam meets Vietnamese expatriates in Kazakhstan

VOV.VN - Party General Secretary To Lam met with staff members of the Vietnamese Embassy and representatives of the Vietnamese community living, studying, and working in Kazakhstan, in capital Astana on May 5 as part of his ongoing visit to Kazakhstan.