Unitel is a model for economic cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

After nearly 15 years in business, Unitel is the largest provider of telecommunications and digital services, and one of the largest contributors to the national budget in Laos.

According to information from the Vietnam Military Telecommunications Group ( Viettel ), within the framework of the State visit to Laos, on the afternoon of July 11th in Vientiane, President To Lam and the high-level Vietnamese delegation visited and worked at Star Telecom, Viettel's joint venture company in Laos (Unitel).

President To Lam and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation at Unitel headquarters, afternoon of July 11.

After nearly 15 years in business, Unitel is the largest provider of telecommunications and digital services, and one of the largest contributors to the national budget in Laos. Unitel is recognized by the Party and Government of both countries as a model for economic cooperation. Unitel has contributed to achieving 100% telecommunications coverage for the Lao population in just 6 years of providing services, compared to 18% previously.

With 13 consecutive years of market leadership, Unitel now holds 57% market share thanks to its extensive network infrastructure, covering even the most remote villages (equivalent to districts and communes in Vietnam). Laos has become one of the countries with the highest rates of 4G and high-speed internet access in Southeast Asia. Unitel was also the first mobile network operator to test 5G in Laos.

In recent years, Unitel has pioneered the provision of digital services, becoming a strategic partner of the Lao Government, implementing key e-government systems for the country (Lao font system, online learning and testing, citizen registration management, electronic payments, etc.).

In particular, the U-Money e-wallet has contributed to promoting access to convenient and secure electronic payment services for users, including those in urban and rural areas of Laos, helping civil servants in many district and village-level administrative agencies receive their monthly salaries and benefits promptly, especially in remote areas without banks.

LaoTV, the first OTT television service in Laos, and LaoApp, an application that personalizes digital entertainment features and content tailored to Lao culture and preferences, have received IT World Awards, placing the Land of a Million Elephants on the global digital technology map.

Thanks to its continuous application of technology and business expansion, Unitel creates jobs for approximately 27,000 workers, more than any other enterprise in Laos, contributing to ensuring social welfare.

President To Lam speaks at the working session.

Speaking at the meeting, President To Lam stated that Unitel's solutions have greatly supported the Lao government in accelerating the national digital transformation process, building an e-government, and creating convenience for citizens in financial and payment activities, similar to what Viettel Group has been doing in Vietnam.

The President assigned Unitel the task of pioneering participation in the digital transformation in Laos, providing digital transformation products and information technology to the National Assembly, Government, ministries, and agencies in Laos, and continuing to implement social welfare programs, contributing to the community, and spreading intrinsic cultural values ​​to businesses in Laos, especially Vietnamese businesses in Laos.

"If every joint venture and project between Vietnam and Laos were as effective as Star Telecom, there would probably be nothing to worry about. This is a prime example, and you should continue to strive to build upon the achievements of the past 15 years," the President emphasized.

Major General Cao Duc Thang, Chairman and CEO of Viettel Group, delivered a speech at the working session.

Major General Tao Duc Thang, Chairman and CEO of Viettel Group, stated that in 2025, Unitel aims to become the largest economic group in Laos, participating extensively in all aspects of the Lao economy, with digital financial services, digital transformation in commerce, healthcare, education, and agriculture being the main drivers of growth.

“Viettel pledges to dedicate all its best resources and deploy the latest technologies to continue contributing even more to the country and people of Laos, worthy of being a symbol of cooperation and friendship between the Governments and Ministries of Defense of Vietnam and Laos,” Major General Tao Duc Thang emphasized.

TRAN BINH

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/unitel-la-hinh-mau-cho-hop-tac-kinh-te-giua-viet-nam-va-lao-post748904.html