PM visits a Vietnam – Laos telecom joint venture

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on October 8 complimented Star Telecom (Unitel), a joint venture between Vietnam’s Viettel Global JSC and Lao Asia Telecom, on its effective operations over the past 15 years, contributing to socio-economic development and social security in Laos, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.

Visiting Unitel as part of his ongoing trip to Laos for the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and related meetings, PM Chinh asked the firm to continue efforts to carry out its political missions, making contributions to enhancing the Vietnam - Laos special friendship and the comradeship and brotherhood between the two defense ministries in particular.

The Government leader ordered the company to do business in accordance with laws and market regulations, ensuring profitable business practices while playing the pioneering role in innovation, digital transformation, green transition, as well as circular economy and knowledge-based economy in Laos.

Unitel should enhance its innovation and creativity and well adapt to business and technology situations while maintaining its social welfare work in the host nation, the PM underscored.

Unitel is now the No. 1 telecom service provider in Laos, with a market share of 57%, after more than a decade of operation.

As of the end of September, the firm’s cumulative revenue topped $2.3 billion. It recorded a pre-tax profit growth of 28.4% year-on-year during the first nine months of this year. The firm is targeting a revenue of $323 million by 2025.

Unitel contributes more than $40 million to Laos’ state budget every year, becoming the second largest tax payer in the nation.

Together with creating jobs for more than 27,000 local workers, Unitel has supported the Lao Government in digital transformation and building of e-government while carrying out meaningful social programs with total sponsorship amounting to $41 million.

With the business philosophy of "bringing a better life" and a spirit of friendship, Unitel has contributed to elevating Laos' telecommunications services to be on par with developed countries and is set to launch its 5G commercial service in celebration of its upcoming 15th founding anniversary.