Vientiane (VNA) – 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.
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 defence 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, he underscored, adding it must uphold and promote the mettle of Uncle Ho’s soldiers there.
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 USD. It recorded a pre-tax profit growth of 28.4% during the first nine months of this year. The firm is targeting a revenue of 323 million USD by 2025.
Unitel contributes more than 40 million USD 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 programmes with total sponsorship amounting to 41 million USD.
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./.

See more

PM seeks FTSE Russell’s help to upgrade stock market status
FTSE Russell’s Global Head of Equity and Multi Asset Gerald Toledano praised Vietnam’s reform momentum, noting that its stock market, now the most liquid in ASEAN, has surpassed those of Thailand and Singapore.

NA Chairman backs stronger audit ties with Laos
The top legislator urged the SAV and SAO to advance their 2025-2028 medium-term cooperation plan and the 2021-2030 strategy, asking for more exchanges of delegations and expertise, particularly in digital transformation and staff training.

Deputy PM receives Cambodian Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
Cambodia always remembers and appreciates Vietnam’s support for Cambodia’s escape from the Pol Pot genocidal regime, said Secretary of State Ung Rachana of the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Vu Viet Trang re-elected Secretary of VNA's Party Committee
The 27th Party Congress of the VNA elected a 27-member Party Committee for the new term and a delegation of six official and two alternate delegates to attend the first congress of the Government's Party Organisation.

Maritime disputes must be resolved peacefully: Spokesperson
The Foreign Ministry spokeperson was responding to a reporter's question regarding July 12, 2025, which marked the 9th anniversary of the ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in the East Sea arbitration case between the Philippines and China under Annex VII of UNCLOS.

Vietnam, Azerbaijan identify 17 potential cooperation areas
The two sides agreed to enhance information sharing and policy consultation at all levels – from technical experts to government leaders – to promptly address issues arising during the course of cooperation, and to seek flexible solutions to balance and raise bilateral trade.

NA Chairman urges integrity, objectivity in Party personnel nomination
Nominees for the National Assembly Party Committee members must demonstrate political mettle, intellect, moral integrity, prestige and proven competence to fulfill the mission entrusted by the Party, the NA, and the people

Foreign ministry warns Vietnamese citizens to avoid shady overseas job offers
According to the Vietnamese Embassy in Cambodia, 140 Vietnamese citizens were temporarily detained by Cambodian authorities in Phnom Penh on July 14 due to suspected involvement in online scam activities.

National Day celebration to honour assistance of international friends: Spokeswoman
Vietnam has invited the defence ministers of Russia, China, Laos, Cambodia, Cuba, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan to attend the celebration of the 80th National Day anniversary on September 2; and five countries – Russia, China, Laos, Cambodia, and Belarus – to send forces to participate in the parade at the National Day celebration.

NA Chairman to attend world conference of parliament speakers, visit Morocco and Senegal
The top legislator will attend the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Switzerland, engage in bilateral activities there, and pay official visits to Morocco and Senegal from July 22 to 30.

Politburo, Secretariat discipline Party members for wrongdoings
The Party Central Committee’s Politburo and Secretariat on July 17 considered and issued disciplinary measures against two incumbent and former officials for serious violations of the Party's regulations and the State's laws while performing their duties.

Lang Son, China’s Guangxi enhance cooperation in key sectors
The two sides discussed ways to accelerate joint projects and agreements and expand the list of Vietnam’s exports to China. They also proposed boosting cooperation in vocational training, especially in high-tech industries and sustainable agriculture, to meet the development needs of both sides.

☕ Afternoon briefing on July 17
The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.

Military, police forces join first rehearsal for 80th National Day celebration
The rehearsal comprised two main segments featuring a formation of 18 standing blocks and 43 marching ones, including seven female military units covering military music, medical officers, Vietnamese peacekeepers, special forces, communications soldiers, ethnic militia, and southern guerrillas, alongside two female police units representing traffic police officers and special task force personnel.

VNA must continue to safeguard national interests through communications: PM
PM Pham Minh Chinh asked the VNA Party Organisation and its journalists to uphold the legacy of the agency that has received the hero title for three times, and maintain internal unity and its leadership in alignment with the Party’s guidelines and the State's laws.

VNA continues affirming its role as Vietnam's leading multimedia agency
The 27th Party Congress of the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) for the 2025 - 2030 term took place at the VNA's headquarters on July 17. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended and sent flowers to the event.

PM demands attention to reorganising political apparatus, administrative units
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh requested a focus on implementing relevant resolutions and conclusions on the restructuring of the political system’s organisational apparatus and the reorganisation of administrative units.

☀️ Morning digest on July 17
The following is a list of selected news summaries reported last night by the Vietnam News Agency.

Vietnam, South Africa eye on stronger parliamentary cooperation
During the meetings, NA Vice Chairman Vu Hong Thanh congratulated South Africa on its significant achievements in national development, particularly in implementing the goals of the "National Development Plan 2030" to improve living standards and reduce poverty and inequality

Vietnam welcomes investment in smart urban development
During a meeting with Fung Wai Ka Thomas, Director of CCC Infrastructure, and Lai Rong Huo, Chairman of Shenzhen Hero Group, Deputy PM Dung welcomed their interest and plans to invest in Vietnam, especially in the field of smart urban development.