CEO Mai Kiều Liên: 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 her perspective 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 can achieve this, it won’t take until 2025 or 2030 to complete. Instead, we can move as swiftly as the Ho Chi Minh Campaign, accomplishing it within just a few months. I am confident we can do it.”

From the perspective of a businesswoman with over 40 years of experience in Vietnam’s economy, Ms. Lien believes that the nation’s significant developments are closely tied to its reform resolutions. She emphasized the role of the 6th National Congress, where the policy of granting autonomy to enterprises was adopted, 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, speaking at the Vietnam Economic Growth Forum 2025, the Vinamilk CEO emphasized that the industry must focus on productivity, efficiency, and worker income, rather than merely increasing sales. “Without purchasing power, no industry can thrive,” she noted, adding that the dairy sector is closely linked to Vietnam’s agricultural characteristics, directly impacting the physical strength, intellect, 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, at a time when the company was small and had limited infrastructure.

In 1997, the company 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 export revenues exceeding 5.6 trillion VND annually.

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 simultaneously inaugurated two “super dairy factories” – the first of their kind in Vietnam, with a total investment of hundreds of millions of USD. This event made a significant impact in the Asian and global dairy industries, marking a new phase in the company’s globalization strategy. At that time, Ms. Mai Kieu Lien declared: “I want the world to recognize Vietnam’s dairy industry.”

In 2023, Vinamilk impressed with its comprehensive rebranding through a digital transformation and brand rejuvenation program for the 2022–2026 period. According to its financial report, 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. Its liquid milk market share increased by 2.8% after five months of rebranding.

Ms. Mai Kieu Lien stated at the time: “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 set a target of 64.505 trillion VND in revenue and 9.680 trillion VND in profit, representing increases of 4.3% and 2.4%. If these targets are met, the company will achieve four consecutive years of growth and set a new revenue record.