Vietnam Adopts AIFC Experience: Delegation Led by Deputy Prime Minister Visits the Financial Centre

The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) hosted a visit by a Vietnamese delegation led by Nguyen Hoa Binh, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The visit focused on deepening bilateral cooperation and studying the AIFC’s experience in the context of Vietnam’s plans to establish its own international financial centre.

AIFC Governor Renat Bekturov delivered a presentation for the Vietnamese delegation, providing a detailed overview of the Centre’s operations, institutional framework, and investment attraction capabilities. Particular attention was given to the legal and regulatory environment based on common law principles, the activities of the Astana International Exchange, as well as the work of the AIFC Court and the International Arbitration Centre, which ensure independent and transparent dispute resolution for investors and market participants. Nowadays, the total volume of investments attracted since the launch of the AIFC has exceeded USD 20 billion, including direct investments by Centre participants and debt capital.

As part of the visit, the delegation also learned about the AIFC Expat Centre, a multifunctional “one-stop shop” designed to create comfortable conditions for entry, residence, and professional activity of foreign specialists and their family members in Kazakhstan.

The Vietnamese delegation expressed particular interest to the AIFC’s experience in light of Vietnam’s plans to establish an international financial centre in two cities Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. The project involves the development of a unified financial infrastructure and governance system, the growth of capital markets and fintech sectors, and the introduction of investor protection mechanisms, making the AIFC model and Kazakhstan’s experience especially relevant.

“More and more countries view the creation of their own international financial centres as a strategic tool for attracting capital, fostering innovation, and strengthening their position in the global financial market. Our experience shows that the successful establishment of such a centre requires well-designed infrastructure, effective regulation, and reliable dispute resolution mechanisms. We are pleased to share the AIFC’s expertise with Vietnam to support the implementation of their international financial centre project” said Renat Bekturov, Governor of the AIFC.

Currently, four Vietnamese companies are registered at the AIFC: Elisoft Ltd. (IT and software development), Central Asia Holdings Limited (finance and investments in the aviation sector), Coteccons Construction KZ Ltd. (construction and infrastructure projects), and SHB.VN Mineral Exploitation Ltd. (professional, scientific, and technical activities, including geological exploration and mining).

The current visit marks a continuation of the active dialogue between Kazakhstan and Vietnam. In May last year, the AIFC was visited by a Vietnamese delegation led by To Lam, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam. At that time, the parties confirmed their intentions to expand trade, economic, and investment cooperation, laying a solid foundation for further strengthening bilateral ties and exchanging experience in financial initiatives.

In addition, in July last year, AIFC Governor Renat Bekturov visited Ho Chi Minh City, where he shared practical experience in establishing and developing a financial centre, including issues related to regulation, capital markets, and the operation of the Court and the International Arbitration Centre.

Kazakhstan and Vietnam maintain stable trade and economic relations both bilaterally and within the framework of international agreements, including Vietnam’s free trade regime with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). By the end of 2024, bilateral trade turnover reached approximately USD 1 billion, while in the first five months of 2025 it amounted to around USD 357 million, reflecting steady growth in commercial activity. Kazakhstan’s exports are mainly composed of metallurgical products, chemicals, and mineral resources, while Vietnam supplies machinery, electronics, light industry goods, as well as food and agricultural products, forming a balanced trade structure and strong potential for expanding mutual investments.

Reference:

The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) is an independent jurisdiction where investors and business meet emerging opportunities of Kazakhstan and Central Asia in a transparent and sustainable environment backed by the principles of English Common Law. aifc.kz  

AIFC Press Office

Ainur Issabayeva, Press Secretary

E-mail: [email protected]