Hanoi, March 6, 2025 – The Europe Today: Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, Adylbek Aleshovich Kasymaliev, arrived in Hanoi on the evening of March 5, commencing his official visit to Vietnam at the invitation of Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính.
This marks the first-ever visit by a Kyrgyz prime minister since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations. The visit is expected to bolster friendship ties and foster comprehensive bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.Upon arrival at Nội Bài International Airport, Chairman Kasymaliev and his delegation were welcomed by Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyễn Hồng Diên and Vietnamese Ambassador to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan Phạm Thái Như Mai.
Strengthening Economic and Trade Cooperation
Economic relations between Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan have witnessed steady growth. Between 2017 and 2021, two-way trade averaged $1.36 million annually. However, recent years have seen a significant surge, with trade volumes reaching $4.5 million in 2022, $7.5 million in 2023, and $13.5 million in 2024.
Vietnam primarily exports pepper, tea, cashew nuts, computers, electronics, and components to Kyrgyzstan, while importing machinery, equipment, tobacco products, silk, and alcoholic beverages. Both nations have leveraged the Vietnam-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to expand trade opportunities.
Kyrgyzstan is also among the few countries in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region that unilaterally grants Vietnamese citizens a 60-day visa exemption, facilitating enhanced business and tourism exchanges.
Investment and Community Ties
As of October 31, 2024, Kyrgyzstan had one investment project in Khánh Hòa province, valued at $5 million, focusing on alcoholic beverage production and trade. Kyrgyzstan currently ranks 83rd among 148 foreign investors in Vietnam.
The Vietnamese community in Kyrgyzstan remains small, with around 100 individuals, including three families who have obtained Kyrgyz citizenship. Despite their modest numbers, they actively contribute to bilateral relations and maintain close connections with their homeland.
Chairman Kasymaliev’s visit is set to usher in a new chapter in Vietnam-Kyrgyzstan relations, further strengthening traditional ties and unlocking cooperation potential in key economic sectors.
