The event was attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Vietnam to Laos, leaders from various Vietnamese Ministries including Information and Communications, Foreign Affairs, Planning and Investment, Industry and Trade, and the Office of the President, as well as the Central Foreign Affairs Committee.

Bringing Telecommunication Services to the People
For over 14 years of investment in Laos, Viettel has played a significant role in providing telecommunication services, particularly in rural and remote areas. The number of Laotian citizens with access to mobile phones has increased sixfold, from 18% to 100%. Unitel's network infrastructure now covers 100% of the districts, with 4G coverage reaching 70% (over 96% in the capital city). This has contributed to making Laos one of the countries with the best 4G coverage and speed in Southeast Asia, ensuring widespread high-speed internet access for the entire Laotian population.

Currently, Unitel is the largest telecommunications provider and one of the companies contributing the most to the national budget. It is recognized by both the Parties and Governments of both countries as a model of economic cooperation. Unitel has created stable employment opportunities for over 27,000 workers.

Contributing Technology to the Government, Promoting Digital Transformation in Laos
Unitel has provided significant support to the Laotian government in its digital transformation and the development of e-Government infrastructure, smart healthcare, and more, with a total value of over USD 33 million. Unitel was the first entity approved by the Lao Central Bank to pilot the Mobile Money model, with its U-money e-wallet expanded to 80,000 payment points across all 18 provinces, connecting with all banks and playing a crucial role in facilitating money transfers for underbanked populations in remote areas. U-Money has brought about a financial revolution in Laos, providing convenience to over 1.6 million registered subscribers, with 300,000 regular users, achieving a growth rate of 93% in 2023.

During the visit, Chairman of the National Assembly, Vuong Dinh Hue, expressed his special admiration for Viettel's success in the joint venture investment model in Laos and highly commended Unitel's achievements in contributing to the socio-economic development, job creation, and social security of the host country. Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue remarked, "Unitel is a shining example of Viettel Group's successful foreign investment over the years worldwide. Unitel has also contributed to increasing Laos' telecommunications and digital transformation capabilities, making remarkable progress. This is also a testament to the cooperation between the Defense Ministries of Vietnam and Laos. Unitel must take our golden star from our national flag as a model, an aspiration to strive for, and always keep in mind that there is always a golden star in our hearts."

Unitel is deeply grateful for the attention of the high-level leaders of both nations. Tran Trung Hung, General Director of Unitel, emphasized, "Currently, Laos' economy is facing many difficulties, particularly budget constraints for digital transformation. Meanwhile, Viettel Group's products have been highly successful and have been deployed in many ministries and localities. Viettel hopes to support IT projects, digital services, and Viettel products to Laos, keeping pace with the world's most advanced countries in digital transformation."

Unitel has been honored with numerous awards bestowed by the governments of Laos and Vietnam, including the Certificate of Commendation from the Lao Government (2014); Second-Class Labor Medal awarded by the Prime Minister of Laos (2018); First-Class Ishala Medal and First-Class Development Medal awarded by the President of Laos (2019); and Third-Class Labor Medal awarded by the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (2019). The company has also received several international awards such as being named the most efficient telecommunications brand in ASEAN, ranking among the top 30 most valuable telecommunications brands in the region, and being the top brand in Laos according to Brand Finance's assessment in 2016. It also received the Gold Award for Best Information Technology Product/Service for the Lao Government from IT World Award.