Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc presenting the Independence Order, first class, to Viettel.

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc has said he wants the Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group (Viettel) to strive to become one of the world’s 10 biggest telecommunications firms by 2025.Speaking at a ceremony marking the 30th anniversary Viettel’s founding in Hà Nội on Saturday, PM Phúc said the State has entrusted Viettel with the task of leading the country in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.Established in 1989 under the name Sigelco, the group has become one of the 30 largest telecommunications companies in the world and is among the 500 most valuable brands on the globe.PM Phúc said he hopes that by 2045, Viettel will be among the world's leading industrial high-tech manufacturers.The PM emphasised that technology will be a key factor for Việt Nam to avoid the middle-income trap and become a developed country, adding that innovation and invention is the path to becoming a powerful country.He implored Viettel to perform its responsibilities as a main player in the national digital transformation, and quickly deploy 5G technology and infrastructure to meet development opportunities.

The group is also tasked with developing a high-tech defence industry and manufacturing electronic and telecommunications equipment.

The PM also presented the Independence Order, first class, to Viettel. Over the last three decades, from its initial business of construction and installation of telecommunications projects, Viettel has developed five new industries, including telecoms and information technology services, telecom electronics, defence, network security and digital services.It is considered one of the largest and most efficient state-owned enterprises in Việt Nam. Since 2000, Viettel has earned more than VNĐ1.78 quadrillion in revenue and VNĐ334 trillion in profit. It has spent VNĐ3.5 trillion on social welfare activities. It now has a presence in 17 countries and territories, including 10 overseas markets.

At the ceremony, Viettel announced it would continue to lead in telecommunications and information, and would strive to be a pioneer in the technology and industry sectors.

Viettel will accelerate high-tech industries including electronics, telecommunications and defence and network security industry.

Viettel will continue to invest in commercialising 5G networks to enable the Internet of Things. It will also develop and provide digital services including mobile money and digital content in education, e-commerce, search engines and social networks.

It will also participate in building the e-government.

Major general Lê Đăng Dũng, Viettel’s chairman cum generation director, said Viettel will maintain its mission of “creation for people” to protect and serve the fatherland, contributing to the country's prosperity. — LV