Vientiane:Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung visited Star Telecom Co., Ltd. (Unitel) in Vientiane, underscoring the importance of Laos-Vietnam economic cooperation. During the visit on October 9, 2026, he highlighted the company's role in national development, digital transformation, and local workforce enhancement.
According to Lao News Agency, the Prime Minister was joined by senior Party and State leaders from both Laos and Vietnam. He commended Unitel for its 17-year contribution to telecommunications expansion, digital service promotion, and socio-economic development in Laos.
The Prime Minister stressed that Unitel's success should not only be measured by its financial performance but also by its sustainable investments, job creation, and social responsibility contributions. He urged the company to comply with Lao laws, enhance operational efficiency, and align business goals with national development priorities. Additionally, he encouraged Unitel to advance the digital government, economy, and society through expanded digital financial services and online platforms.
He also called for increased technical training and knowledge transfer to empower more Lao employees in senior roles. Support for education, healthcare, and poverty reduction in disadvantaged communities was also emphasized.
Lieutenant General Tao Duc Thang, Chairman and General Director of Viettel Group, expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister's visit and guidance. He affirmed Viettel and Unitel's commitment to implementing these recommendations to further Laos' digital transformation. Unitel employs over 30,000 local workers and has contributed over US$41 million to social programs, including internet access for schools, medical facilities, and disaster relief.
Unitel's digital wallet, U-money, serves over 1.8 million users with 25,000 service points, facilitating salary payments for civil servants in remote areas. In the first nine months of 2026, Unitel's revenue increased by 25.2%, net profit rose by 6.8%, and state budget contributions grew by 15.3%. By the end of 2025, the company had contributed over US$655 million to the Lao state budget, marking it as a significant corporate taxpayer.
This visit follows Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone's inspection of Viettel Group's headquarters in Hanoi during his state visit to Vietnam in June 2026. These exchanges highlight the commitment of both countries to strengthen economic ties and promote digital development within their strategic partnership.