Growth of 23.9% in foreign markets
As the global telecommunications industry enters a period of slow growth, under simultaneous pressure from inflation, high investment costs and fierce competition, it is rare for a business from a developing country to maintain a double-digit growth momentum for nearly a decade in a row, even leading in 7 markets.
Viettel - a telecommunications and technology enterprise has gone against the trend, when announcing in its 2025 year-end summary ceremony a growth rate of 23.9% in foreign markets. This increase is 7 times the industry average globally.
For the whole year, foreign market revenue reached 3.34 billion USD. This is the 9th consecutive year Viettel has maintained double-digit growth in the international market - a rare achievement in the global telecommunications industry, especially when most of the markets that Viettel is present in are developing countries, where economic and political risks are often higher than average.
Viettel's operating scale abroad also continues to expand. The total number of international mobile subscribers reached 56 million, officially exceeding the subscriber scale in Vietnam.
Among the 10 leading Viettel countries, there are 7 Viettel countries leading, including Unitel (Laos), Metfone (Cambodia), Mytel (Myanmar), Telemor (Eastern Timor), Lumitel (Burundi), Natcom (Haiti) and Movitel (Mozambique).
The financial efficiency of overseas investment activities is also "in line". In 2025, cash flow to Vietnam from international markets of this group reached 385.5 million USD, completing 120% of the plan. By the end of 2025, Viettel's overseas investment capital recovery rate reached 91%, reaching the target earlier than the target plan.
In the market considered the most difficult, Peru, this group also made a big impression when the company in the Bitel market rose to No. 2 in, 2 years earlier than the target, despite having to compete with world-class telecommunications giants.
Going abroad from a different approach
One of the notable points is Viettel's choice to invest in markets that are still facing many challenges – where telecommunications infrastructure is not yet complete, the business environment is complex, and connection needs are still large.
Haiti is an example. When Viettel started implementing the project here in 2010, this country had just experienced a historic earthquake. Continuing to invest in difficult circumstances reflects Viettel's approach to the market as a long-term commitment, rather than a short-term time-based project.
Instead of focusing on developed and highly competitive markets, Viettel prioritizes developing economies where telecommunications and digital technology still have a lot of room to contribute to growth and social life. This approach both opens up business opportunities and creates conditions for technology to play a more practical role for people.
Another pillar is the localization strategy. Viettel builds brands associated with each country such as Metfone, Unitel or Mytel, helping services become closer and more suitable to local needs. Flexible adjustment of business models, products and tariffs according to each market has helped these networks gradually expand their customer base and consolidate their competitive position.
In parallel with traditional telecommunications services, Viettel also deploys many digital platforms such as e-wallets, e-government and online education and healthcare solutions. In some African and Southeast Asian markets, these services contribute to helping people access basic digital utilities, from payment, learning to accessing information and public services.
In the long-term vision, Viettel's Go Global philosophy is also more clearly defined. At the military-political conference, summarizing 2025 held recently, Chairman cum General Director of Viettel Group, Lieutenant General Tao Duc Thang emphasized: "2026 is seen as a year to open the era of national rise, shifting from planning thinking, institutions, and orientations to organizing implementation. Therefore, for Viettel, the strategy to 2030 to become a global technology corporation is clear, we choose the motto in 2026 to focus on action, specifically being more proactive - faster - more bold - more effective. Efficiency must be seen in customers, in society, in the country - these are the motivations for Viettel to continue to develop sustainably.
