On its 20th founding anniversary, Viettel Global, Viettel’s affiliate, shared stories beyond business results through its “20 years of Viettel global business” series.
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Metfone, Viettel first overseas brand, rises to No.1 in Cambodian market by focusing on serving local people. |
Overseas investment – a strategic spearhead
In March, marking 20 years of global operations, Viettel set three records in international investment: revenue, post-tax profit, and gross margin. It now holds the No.1 market share in seven markets, while gross margin has risen for two consecutive years to over 51%, reflecting strong efficiency and competitiveness.
Viettel’s Chairman and General Director Lieutenant General Tao Duc Thang stated that under the Party and State’s direction, economic diplomacy has become a strategic spearhead, enabling Vietnamese enterprises to expand globally. In early 2026, Viettel recorded 19% growth, with overseas investment contributing nearly 60%.
Untold stories behind the 20-year journey
An initial USD 98,000 investment opened the door to Viettel’s billion-dollar expansion. In 2006, despite holding only 20% domestic market share, Viettel entered Cambodia, then a highly competitive telecom market.
Its first overseas brand, Metfone, rose to No.1 by focusing on serving local people. Within two years, a team of fewer than 10 built the largest network among eight operators and secured licenses for Internet and mobile services. By 2009, Metfone led the Cambodian market.
Former Viettel General Director Lt. Gen. Hoang Anh Xuan highlighted Viettel’s “golden team” model of self-designing, building, and operating networks as key to overseas success.
The series reveals Viettel’s formula for global expansion, showing how a young operator without international experience entered highly competitive markets and expanded into eight countries, namely Laos, Haiti, Mozambique, Timor Leste, Burundi, Peru, Tanzania, and Myanmar.
Minister of Science and Technology and former Viettel’s Chairman and General Director Nguyen Manh Hung emphasized that competing with leading global enterprises is essential for growth and capability building.
Resilience in toughest markets
Each market presents unique challenges, but all share a common thread of bringing Vietnamese values to the world. Viettel-developed digital infrastructure and services have improved lives in remote and unstable regions, from the Andes and Amazon to Haiti and Myanmar.
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Natcom, Viettel’s brand in Haiti, remains a trusted operator supporting the country through its most difficult times. |
In Haiti, Viettel continued its investment just three days after the 2010 earthquake, when others withdrew. Its operations endured Hurricane Matthew, armed violence, and prolonged political instability. Former Viettel’s Chairman and General Director Lt. Gen. Le Dang Dung noted that despite difficulties, Viettel saw opportunities and aimed to support the Haitian government.
Telecom services there became vital infrastructure, helping people reconnect after disasters or seek help during crises, highlighting Viettel’s resilience and commitment and Vietnamese people.
In Burundi, where 98% of the population had never used the Internet, Viettel stayed despite political unrest in 2015. Its brand Lumitel quickly became No.1 within six months and connected even refugee camps like Kamuvu.
Lt. Gen. Tao Duc Thang affirmed that the qualities of Uncle Ho’s soldiers have enabled Viettel to overcome challenges and succeed in harsh, unstable markets.
Viettel’s overseas operations generate over USD 3 billion annually, with sustained growth of around 20%. But its 20-year journey is more than revenue or market rankings. It reflects a Vietnamese brand bringing military discipline, service spirit, and national responsibility to the global stage.
Translated by Mai Huong