Vietnamese company may acquire airport in Kazakhstan

Tengrinews.kz - Vietnamese conglomerate Sovico Group, which recently acquired Qazaq Air, is considering purchasing one of Kazakhstan’s airports, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin.
The potential deal was revealed on the sidelines of Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary To Lam’s state visit to Kazakhstan. To Lam held talks with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the Akorda presidential residence.

“You already know that following the visit, the Vietnamese company Sovico Group purchased our airline Qazaq Air. It will be developed here. They visited again recently, I met with them. In addition, they are also considering purchasing and managing an airport, as an airline needs a base airport. This company is large and growing rapidly, with numerous international contracts. This will be a major deal. The airline will also be expanded,” Zhumangarin said.

He did not specify which airport is under consideration for purchase. The deputy prime minister noted that Vietnam is among Kazakhstan’s largest partners in Southeast Asia. In 2023, trade turnover between the two countries reached nearly $1 billion. Kazakhstan exports zinc and lead to Vietnam, and imports household appliances.

“Vietnam is very advanced in this field. During the President’s recent visit to Vietnam, we visited industrial zones, and we were very impressed. Japanese and South Korean companies are operating there and have set up local production. The conditions are excellent. We have a lot to learn from them. Since then, our cooperation has been developing very well,” Zhumangarin added.

In December last year, a consortium called Central Asia Aviation Holdings Limited, part of Sovico Group, acquired Kazakhstan’s Qazaq Air.
Earlier today, Akorda hosted the official welcoming ceremony for To Lam, who is visiting Kazakhstan on a state visit.