94 years of Vietnam's rubber industry: Continuing history

This was the statement of Ms. Tran Tuyet Minh, Deputy Chairwoman of Binh Phuoc Provincial People's Committee at the commemoration ceremony for the 94th anniversary of the establishment of the Indochina Communist Party branch and National Rubber Day (October 28, 1929 - October 28, 2023). The commemoration ceremony was held on the morning of October 27 at the headquarters of Dong Phu Rubber Joint Stock Company in Dong Phu district, Binh Phuoc province.

The robust development of the Vietnam Rubber Group (VRG), as well as the rubber industry in Vietnam has been established through the sacrifices, and dedicated labor of generations of workers, officials, and laborers throughout the 94-year history.

Despite the continuous difficulties and challenges in recent years, VRG has achieved numerous remarkable milestones, and contributed significantly to the country's economic development, national defense, security, and social stability.

In an expression of gratitude towards the generations of workers who have devoted to establishing a strong foundation for the present-day rubber industry, Mr. Le Thanh Hung, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and General Director of VRG, stated: "2023 marks the celebration of 126 years since rubber trees were first introduced to Vietnam in 1897, and the 94th anniversary of the Phu Rieng Do tradition. These are significant milestones in the history of revolutionary struggle, which represents unwavering determination, extraordinary willpower, and serves as a connection point for the patriotic hearts of rubber workers. This glorious history holds immense value as an invaluable and enduring legacy for the current generation of rubber workers who will continue to labor diligently and innovate on the path of integration and development."

At the commemoration ceremony, Mr. Do Huu Huy, Vice Chairman of the Governmental Capital Management Committee for Government-owned Businesses, commented: "The domestic and international business environment has experienced various fluctuations within the last few years in terms of unfavorable weather, climate, natural disasters, and pandemics. VRG's production, trading, and investment activities have been significantly impacted. However, the Group has been efficient with a relatively high profitability ratio compared to other businesses operating in the agricultural sector, thereby preserving and developing capital as required by regulations. Furthermore, the Group has catered to the workers' livelihoods, effectively implemented environmental protection measures, made a significant contribution to national defense and social security, and played an important role in fostering friendly international relations, particularly with Laos and Cambodia."

"I believe that, as we enter a new era, with our heroic tradition and the dynamic spirit of innovation and dedication, the local leaders and all the workers of Vietnam Rubber Group will overcome difficulties and challenges to achieve set goals and tasks, thereby making a more significant contribution to the development of the company as well as the local and national socio-economic landscape," emphasized Mr. Do Huu Huy.

Known as the capital of rubber trees, Binh Phuoc province has been greatly supported by various units under VRG throughout its history of development. Ms. Tran Tuyet Minh affirmed: "The 94th anniversary of the establishment of the Phu Rieng Do branch is a source of great pride for the Party, people, and armed forces of Binh Phuoc Province. Namely, the province established its first communist branch in the Southeastern region as part of the rubber workers' movement. The branch displayed courage and resilience in its struggle, achieving great feats in the history of labor and national liberation movements, and making a worthy contribution to the Vietnamese revolutionary movement."

Mr. Tran Cong Kha, Member of the Central Business Party Committee, Secretary of the Party Committee, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of VRG, conveyed a message at the ceremony: "With the achievements and the heroic tradition of the 94-year-old rubber industry in Vietnam, I believe that the officials, workers, and employees of VRG fully understand their roles and responsibilities. They will continue to work, unite, innovate, and strive to achieve the highest targets and goals in 2023 as well as the years to come. They will contribute to building a sustainable rubber industry and a worthy VRG, deserving of the great contributions made by the previous generations, and the Golden Star Order bestowed by the Party and the Government."

During the celebration, two groups and four individuals from VRG were honored with the Third-Class Labor Order. These recipients include Sa Thay Rubber Joint Stock Company and the Organization Board of VRG; Mr. Pham Anh, Deputy General Director of Binh Long Rubber Limited Liability Company, Mr. Mai Huynh Nhat, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dong Phu Rubber Joint Stock Company, Mr. Huynh Minh Tam, Head of the Control Board of Dong Phu Rubber Joint Stock Company, and Mr. Tran Vinh Tuan, Deputy General Director of Dong Phu Rubber Joint Stock Company – Kratie.

The Governmental Capital Management Committee for Government-owned Businesses awarded commendations to 12 groups and 13 individuals for their outstanding achievements between the years 2018 and 2022. VRG also presented the "Phu Rieng Red" award to 6 individuals; the "Vietnam Rubber" award to 1 group and 17 individuals; the "Golden Star Rubber" award to 31 individuals, and the "Outstanding Youth in the Rubber Industry" award to 32 individuals.