Green SM (GSM) has launched its all-electric ride-hailing service in Almaty, its first operation in Central Asia and its sixth international market.

The launch puts GSM in a new region as the company widens its electric mobility network beyond Southeast Asia and South Asia. Its service in Almaty begins with a fleet of VinFast VF 6 Eco vehicles, an electric SUV aimed at daily city use.

The launch event was attended by Nguyen Thanh Le, appointed Ambassador of Viet Nam to Kazakhstan, and Berikbol Shatabayevich Mandibayev, head of the Department of Entrepreneurship and Investment of Almaty.

Representatives from Kazakhstan’s government, the Vietnamese embassy, and groups from transport, energy, technology, finance, infrastructure and services also joined the event.

GSM is entering Almaty at a time when large cities in Kazakhstan are seeing higher demand for better transport options. Almaty, the country’s largest city, has busy roads and growing urban travel needs. Ride-hailing is already part of daily life in many cities, but GSM is bringing a fully electric fleet into the market from the start.

The VinFast VF 6 Eco will be used for regular ride-hailing trips across Almaty. The model offers quiet operation, cabin comfort and safety features meant for everyday urban travel.

GSM expects the vehicle to serve residents and visitors who need short city rides, planned trips and regular app-based transport.

The company is also putting focus on driver training. Its Green Drivers will go through programs that cover operations, safety and customer service. GSM said the training is meant to keep the service steady across trips and help drivers meet customer expectations in a new market.

Customers in Kazakhstan can book rides through the Green SM app, which is available on the App Store and Google Play. To mark the launch, GSM is offering a 26-percent discount of up to KZT 2,626 for bookings made through the app.

The launch also includes Green Alliance Frontier, a partnership platform that connects GSM with local and regional groups. Five strategic partners from the transport, tourism, technology and service sectors have joined the initiative.

GSM sees the platform as a way to work with groups that share an interest in cleaner transport and community projects. The partnerships are also expected to support the company as it builds its presence in Kazakhstan.

Nguyen Quoc Tuan, global chief executive officer of GSM, said Kazakhstan offers strong growth potential and rising demand for newer services.

“We come to Kazakhstan with respect for the market, a long-term commitment to investment, and a desire to work alongside local partners in developing high-quality mobility solutions that meet the everyday needs of the community,” Tuan said.

He added that GSM wants to build its business in Kazakhstan through trust and service that brings value to customers, partners and local communities.

GSM was founded in Vietnam in 2023. It now operates in Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, the Philippines, India and Kazakhstan.

Its business uses an all-electric fleet, a digital booking platform and common service standards across markets. The company has been expanding its green mobility ecosystem through ride-hailing and related transport services.

The Kazakhstan launch gives GSM a foothold in Central Asia, where cities continue to grow and daily transport needs continue to change.

In Almaty, that plan starts with electric SUVs, trained drivers and regular app-based rides for everyday users.