“CEO Mai Kiều Lien: Resolution 68 Can Be Executed with Lightning Speed Like the Ho Chi Minh Campaign, If We Unite in Purpose”

At the Business and Business Association Forum, aimed at effectively implementing Resolution 68-NQ/TW of the Politburo on private economic development, Ms. Mai Kieu Lien, CEO of Vietnam Dairy Products Joint Stock Company (Vinamilk), shared insights on the role of the private sector in the new era.

According to her, the government’s directives are entirely feasible and can be swiftly executed with unity and unwavering determination: “We believe that if we achieve this, it won’t take until 2025 or 2030 to complete. Instead, we can accelerate progress like the Ho Chi Minh Campaign, accomplishing it within just a few months. I’m confident we can make it happen.”

With over 40 years of experience in Vietnam’s economy, Ms. Lien emphasized that the nation’s significant advancements are closely tied to reform resolutions. She highlighted the importance of the 6th National Congress, which granted autonomy to businesses, and the 8th National Congress, which accelerated the equitization of state-owned enterprises, paving the way for the private sector’s growth.

“In just a decade, private companies have made remarkable strides. Resolution 68, issued by the Party Central Committee and the Politburo, will serve as another milestone for our economic development,” she stated.

Regarding achieving double-digit growth in the dairy industry, Ms. Lien, speaking at the Vietnam Economic Growth Forum 2025, emphasized that the sector must focus on productivity, efficiency, and worker income, rather than solely increasing sales. “Without purchasing power, no industry can thrive,” she noted, adding that the dairy industry is closely linked to Vietnam’s agricultural sector and directly impacts the physical strength, intelligence, and height of the younger generation.

“With a population of 100 million and approximately 1 million newborns annually, the potential for the dairy industry remains vast,” the Vinamilk CEO remarked.

“I Want the World to Recognize Vietnam’s Dairy Industry”

Born in 1953 in Paris, France, and raised in Vietnam, Ms. Mai Kieu Lien graduated in dairy and meat processing from the Soviet Union. She returned to Vietnam in 1976 to work at the Truong Tho Dairy Factory, the precursor to Vinamilk. In 1992, she was appointed CEO of Vinamilk, then a small company with limited infrastructure.

In 1997, Vinamilk exported its first batch of dairy products to Iraq, marking the beginning of its long-term international strategy. Today, Vinamilk’s products are available in over 60 countries and territories, with annual export revenues exceeding 5.6 trillion VND.

Vinamilk has also launched the “White Revolution” domestically, investing in 14 high-tech dairy farms, collaborating with thousands of farmers, and supplying over 1 million liters of fresh milk daily.

In 2013, Vinamilk inaugurated two “super dairy factories,” the first of their kind in Vietnam, with a total investment of hundreds of millions of USD. This milestone made a significant impact on the Asian and global dairy industries, signaling a new phase in the company’s globalization strategy. Ms. Mai Kieu Lien declared: “I want the world to recognize Vietnam’s dairy industry.”

In 2023, Vinamilk impressed with its comprehensive transformation through a digital transformation program and brand rejuvenation for 2022–2026. According to financial reports, the company achieved revenues of 60.367 trillion VND and post-tax profits of 9.019 trillion VND, up 6.9% and 5.1% respectively compared to 2022. Market share for liquid milk increased by 2.8% after five months of rebranding.

Ms. Lien stated: “It’s time for Vinamilk to reinvent itself. A brand only survives if it resonates with the next generation.”

In 2024, Vinamilk recorded total revenues of 61.824 trillion VND and post-tax profits of 9.453 trillion VND, up 2.2% and 4.8% respectively. For 2025, the company aims for revenues of 64.505 trillion VND and profits of 9.680 trillion VND, representing increases of 4.3% and 2.4%. If successful, Vinamilk will achieve four consecutive years of growth and set a new revenue record.