Chairman and CEO of Viettel Group, Tao Duc Thang, emphasized the strategy of becoming a global corporation by 2030.
Viettel's growth rate, announced at its 2025 year-end review, is seven times the global average for the telecommunications industry.
As the global telecommunications industry enters a period of slow growth, simultaneously facing pressure from inflation, high investment costs, and fierce competition, it is rare for a company from a developing country to maintain double-digit growth for nearly a decade consecutively, even leading in 7 of Viettel's markets.
A report by PWC at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona in March 2025 highlighted the bleak outlook, with global telecommunications revenue projected to grow at only around 2.9% per year.
Many large telecommunications corporations have had to scale back international operations, divest from distant or less profitable markets, and refocus on their home market to protect profitability. Even in developing markets – once considered the industry's "new growth engine" – competition is increasingly fierce, and profit margins are rapidly eroding.
A comeback
For the whole year, revenue from overseas markets reached $3.34 billion. This marks the ninth consecutive year that Viettel has maintained double-digit growth in international markets – a rare achievement in the global telecommunications industry, especially considering that most of the markets where Viettel operates are developing countries, where economic and political risks are often higher than average.
Viettel's overseas operations continue to expand. The total number of international mobile subscribers reached 56 million, officially surpassing the number of subscribers in Vietnam.
Of the 10 countries where Viettel has invested, Viettel holds the leading position in 7 countries, including Unitel (Laos), Metfone (Cambodia), Mytel (Myanmar), Telemor (East Timor), Lumitel (Burundi), Natcom (Haiti), and Movitel (Mozambique).
The financial performance of overseas investments is also on track. In 2025, cash flow repatriated to Vietnam from the group's international markets reached US$385.5 million, achieving 120% of the plan. By the end of 2025, Viettel's return on overseas investments reached 91%, exceeding the target ahead of schedule.
In Peru, considered one of the most challenging markets, the group also made a significant mark when its Bitel subsidiary rose to the number 2 position, two years ahead of schedule, despite having to compete with world-class telecommunications giants.
Viettel achieved a foreign investment return rate of 91%.
Reaching out to the world with a different approach.
Viettel's achievements in recent years are not due to luck, but to an investment strategy built on a long-term vision and a deep understanding of the local market. Beyond growth indicators, Viettel's operations in many countries demonstrate a telecommunications business model that seeks to balance economic efficiency with sustainable social values.
One notable aspect is Viettel's decision to invest in challenging markets – where telecommunications infrastructure is underdeveloped, the business environment is complex, and the need for connectivity remains high. Haiti is one example.
When Viettel began implementing its project here in 2010, the country had just experienced a historic earthquake. Continuing to invest under such difficult circumstances reflects Viettel's approach to the market as a long-term commitment, rather than a short-term, opportunistic project.
Instead of focusing on developed and highly competitive markets, Viettel prioritizes developing economies where telecommunications and digital technology still have significant potential to contribute to growth and social well-being. This approach opens up business opportunities while enabling technology to play a more practical role for the people.
Viettel records record revenue from foreign investment in 2025.
Another key pillar is the localization strategy. Viettel builds brands associated with each country, such as Metfone, Unitel, and Mytel, making services more accessible and suitable to local needs.
The ability to flexibly adjust business models, products, and pricing to suit each market has helped these networks gradually expand their customer base and strengthen their competitive position.
Alongside traditional telecommunications services, Viettel also deploys various digital platforms such as e-wallets, e-government, and online education and healthcare solutions. In some African and Southeast Asian markets, these services help people access basic digital utilities, from payments and learning to accessing information and public services.
The organizational structure also reflects an emphasis on long-term presence. Many Viettel personnel and engineers work directly in the markets, coordinating closely with partners and local authorities, thereby gaining a better understanding of the socio-cultural context and building sustainable cooperative relationships.
Besides its business activities, Viettel also participates in community support programs in the fields of education, healthcare, and digital infrastructure, with several units receiving recognition for sustainable development awards.
In the long-term vision, Viettel's Go Global philosophy has also become clearer. At the recent military-political conference summarizing the year 2025, the Chairman and CEO of Viettel Group, Lieutenant General Tao Duc Thang, emphasized:
"2026 is seen as a year that will usher in an era of national growth, shifting from conceptual planning, institutional frameworks, and strategic direction to practical implementation."
Therefore, with Viettel's strategy to become a global technology group by 2030 already clear, we have chosen to focus on action in 2026, specifically: More proactive - Faster - Bolder - More effective.
"The impact must be visible to customers, to society, and to the country – these are the driving forces for Viettel's continued sustainable development."
Viettel is creating an optimal approach, contributing to shaping the role of Vietnamese businesses and the image of Vietnam on the world economic map.
VIETTEL - T.HÀ
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/viettel-dung-dau-tai-7-trong-10-thi-truong-dau-tu-quoc-te-20260113195843421.htm
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