Accompanying President To Lam were Chairman of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Do Van Chien; Minister of National Defense Phan Văn Giang; Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics Nguyen Xuan Thang; Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Thanh; Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son; Minister of Public Security Luong Tam Quang; Chief of the Office of the President Le Khanh Hai; Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung; Minister of Finance Ho Duc Phoc; Secretary of the Quang Tri Provincial Party Committee Le Quang Tung; Deputy Head of the Central Foreign Affairs Committee Nguyen Minh Tam; Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Ba Hung; Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia Nguyen Huy Tang; and Assistant to the President To An Xo.

After nearly 15 years of operation, Unitel is the largest telecommunications and digital service provider, and one of the largest taxpayers in Laos. Unitel is recognized by the Party and Governments of both countries as a model for economic cooperation.

Unitel has brought telecommunications to 100% of the Lao population within six years of service provision, up from 18% previously.

Leading the market for 13 consecutive years, Unitel now holds 57% market share due to its extensive network infrastructure, covering every district (equivalent to counties/communes in Vietnam). Laos has become one of the Southeast Asian countries with the highest rate of access to 4G and high-speed Internet. Unitel is the first carrier to trial 5G in Laos.

Unitel pioneers digital services, becoming a strategic partner of the Lao government, implementing key e-government systems (Lao Font System; Online Examination; Civil Registration Management; electronic payments, etc.). Especially, the U-money e-wallet has enhanced 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 receive their salaries and benefits on time, 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 preferences, have won the IT World Awards, marking Laos on the global digital technology map.

By continuously applying technology and expanding business, Unitel has created jobs for about 27,000 workers, more than any other enterprise in Laos, contributing to social welfare.

“Unitel’s solutions have greatly supported the Lao government in accelerating national digital transformation, building e-government, and creating convenience for people in financial and payment activities, just like what Viettel Group has done and is doing in Vietnam” President To Lam said during the working session.

The President assigned Unitel to take the lead in the digital transformation process in Laos, providing digital transformation and IT products for the National Assembly, government, and ministries in Laos, and to continue implementing social welfare programs, contributing to the community, and spreading internal 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 be no worries. This is a typical model, and comrades should continue to promote the achievements gained over the past 15 years” the President said.

In 2025, Unitel aims to become the largest economic group in Laos, deeply participating in all aspects of the Lao economy, with digital financial services, digital transformation in commerce, healthcare, education, and agriculture being the main growth drivers.

“Viettel promises to dedicate the best resources and deploy the latest technologies to continue contributing more to the country and people of Laos, deserving to be a symbol of cooperation and friendship between the Ministry of National Defense and the governments of Vietnam and Laos” said Major General Tao Duc Thang, Chairman and General Director of Viettel Group.