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

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

According to the Military Industry and Telecommunications Group ( Viettel ), within the framework of the State visit to Laos, on the afternoon of July 11, in Vientiane, President To Lam and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation visited and worked at Star Telecom Company, a joint venture of Viettel in Laos (Unitel).

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

After nearly 15 years of operation, Unitel is the largest provider of telecommunications and digital services, one of the largest budget contributors in Laos. Unitel is recognized by the Party and Government of the two countries as a typical model for economic cooperation. Unitel has contributed to the universalization of telecommunications to 100% of the Lao population after only 6 years of service provision, previously this figure was 18%.

With 13 consecutive years of market leadership, Unitel now holds 57% of the market share thanks to its extensive network infrastructure, covering every Muong (equivalent to a district or commune in Vietnam). Laos has become one of the countries with the best rate of people accessing 4G and high-speed Internet in Southeast Asia. Unitel is also the first network operator to test 5G in Laos.

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

In particular, U-Money e-wallet has contributed to promoting access to convenient and safe electronic payment services for users, including urban and rural areas in Laos, helping civil servants in many administrative agencies at district and village levels to promptly receive monthly salaries and policies, 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 suitable for Lao culture and interests, have received IT World Awards, marking the Land of a Million Elephants on the world digital technology map.

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

President To Lam speaks at the meeting

Speaking at the meeting, President To Lam said 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 people in financial and payment activities, just like Viettel Group has been doing in Vietnam.

The President assigned Unitel to be a pioneer in participating in the digital transformation in Laos, providing digital transformation and information technology products to the National Assembly, the Government, ministries and branches in Laos and continuing to implement social security programs, contributing to the community, spreading intrinsic cultural values ​​to businesses in Laos, especially Vietnamese businesses in Laos.

“If any joint venture or project between Vietnam and Laos were as effective as Star Telecom, there would probably be nothing to worry about. This is a typical example. Comrades, please continue to strive to promote the achievements of the past 15 years,” the President emphasized.

Major General Tao Duc Thang, Chairman and General Director of Viettel Group, spoke at the meeting.

Major General Tao Duc Thang, Chairman and General Director of Viettel Group, said that by 2025, Unitel aims to become the largest economic group in Laos, deeply participating in all aspects of the Lao economy, in which digital financial services, digital transformation of trade, healthcare, education, and agriculture will be the main growth drivers.

“Viettel promises to devote all its best resources and deploy the latest technologies to continue to contribute more to the country and people of Laos, worthy of being a symbol of cooperation and friendship between the Government and the Ministry of National 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