On the afternoon of May 10, 2025, at the National Convention Center, Vietnam Maritime Corporation (VIMC) held a ceremony to celebrate its 30th anniversary (1995–2025) and receive the Second-Class Labor Order – a prestigious honor from the Party and the State, recognizing VIMC’s significant contributions to the development of the maritime industry and national marine economy.
Overview of the Ceremony
The event was honored by the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Hồ Đức Phớc, members of the Central Party Committee, leaders of ministries, agencies, and localities; representatives from diplomatic missions, international organizations; businesses, partners, and customers; as well as former leaders, current leadership, and all employees of VIMC and its member companies.
In his speech, Mr. Lê Anh Sơn – Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of VIMC’s Board of Directors – emotionally reflected on the challenging yet proud journey of the past three decades. He shared: “Thirty years, a journey not without storms, with some glorious moments, but also times when we had to struggle through extreme difficulties.” From the years of crisis, when cumulative losses reached over 23,000 billion VND and debts surpassed 66,000 billion VND, VIMC was once on the brink of a full-scale collapse. “But it was in those dark moments that the spirit of those who carry the pride of the maritime profession… revived this ship and steered it forward.”
Chairman Lê Anh Sơn Speaking at the Ceremony
Through a series of bold restructuring measures, focusing on three core areas (port operations, maritime transport, and maritime services), combined with modern management methods and a “customer-centric” philosophy, VIMC gradually made a remarkable recovery. From negative equity, VIMC now boasts a market capitalization exceeding 100 trillion VND, becoming the leading publicly traded company in Vietnam’s maritime sector.
Chairman Lê Anh Sơn affirmed: “We cannot change the direction of the wind, but we can adjust the sails” – a message that has guided the company’s transformation. “Thirty years may be just a moment in history, but for VIMC, it has been a life full of ups and downs, and immense pride.”
VIMC Receives the Second-Class Labor Order
The ceremony for the Second-Class Labor Order – a prestigious award from the Party and the State – was held in a solemn and emotional atmosphere. A representative from the Ministry of Finance announced the decision and performed the award ceremony for VIMC. This milestone marks the three-decade journey of an organization that has not been defeated by storms but has “adjusted its sails” to rise and expand into the vast ocean.
Deputy Prime Minister Hồ Đức Phớc Speaking at the Ceremony
On behalf of the Government, Deputy Prime Minister Hồ Đức Phớc acknowledged and highly appreciated VIMC’s remarkable efforts over the past 30 years, particularly its leadership role in developing logistics infrastructure and connecting international trade. “Vietnam Maritime Corporation has overcome many challenges with creativity, determination, and solidarity – becoming a pillar enterprise in the country’s maritime economy.” The Deputy Prime Minister also emphasized: “The Second-Class Labor Order awarded today is a testament to VIMC’s enduring and tireless contributions to the national economy.”
Deputy Prime Minister Hồ Đức Phớc: “VIMC must continue to promote its 30-year tradition, overcome challenges, take the lead in digital transformation, and innovate to become a maritime corporation of regional and global stature.”
In the context of digital transformation and increasing global competition, the Deputy Prime Minister urged VIMC to continue leading innovation, modernizing its fleet, expanding its international port system, developing smart logistics, and proactively integrating more deeply into the international community. “VIMC needs to leverage its 30-year legacy, overcome all challenges, take the lead in digital transformation and innovation to become a maritime corporation with regional and global influence.”
The ceremony concluded with a special artistic program titled “The Voyage of Mission – Overcoming Waves, Reaching Far – Entering a New Era” – a re-enactment of the 30-year journey through stage language, music, and modern technology graphics. The vivid and emotional images on stage served as an inspiring message about a new future – where VIMC continues to grow stronger on the global maritime economy map.
Thirty years – a journey not without storms, but enough to affirm the resilience, stature, and ambition of Vietnam Maritime Corporation. With a solid foundation already built, VIMC is ready to embark on new voyages – pioneering, innovative, and sustainable.