The award ceremony, part of the patriotic emulation congress in Hanoi, recognized Nguyen Viet Cuong's extensive contributions over four decades in manufacturing and business. His efforts, deeply tied to investment strategies in the Mekong Delta, have generated employment, spurred economic restructuring, and improved regional infrastructure.

Developing a seafood processing and export chain

Nguyen Viet Cuong started his entrepreneurial journey in the Mekong Delta in the 1980s. Initially involved in seafood procurement, he established a raw material purchasing system for processing plants, directly linking farmers with businesses.

In 1995, he took over a struggling seafood enterprise in Ca Mau, establishing Phu Cuong Group. Amid the post-Doi Moi (renovation) economic landscape, the company strategically focused on seafood, the Mekong Delta's primary economic sector, as its core for growth.

President Luong Cuong presents the labor hero title to Nguyen Viet Cuong, chairman of Phu Cuong group. *Photo: Phu Cuong Group*

According to Cuong, his upbringing in the southwestern region, characterized by a dedicated workforce and rich revolutionary traditions, profoundly shaped his business philosophy. His years of revolutionary service further instilled courage, discipline, and practical thinking.

Between 1995 and 2005, Phu Cuong Group expanded its processing plants across Ca Mau, Kien Giang, Bac Lieu, and Vinh Long. The company progressively developed a comprehensive procurement, processing, and export chain, enabling direct participation in international markets.

This initiative provided stable market access for aquaculture farmers and fishermen, while also creating local employment. Notably, Phu Cuong was an early private enterprise to directly export seafood internationally, at a time when the private sector faced significant barriers.

Expanding into urban and housing investment, developing a multi-sector ecosystem

Leveraging its success in the seafood sector, Phu Cuong Group expanded into real estate and urban development. A pivotal moment in its diversification strategy was the Rach Gia reclaimed urban area project, initiated in 2009 and spanning about 350 hectares.

Phu Cuong group's Rach Gia reclaimed urban area project. *Photo: Phu Cuong Group*

In parallel with commercial ventures, Phu Cuong also developed social housing projects in the Mekong Delta and Ho Chi Minh City. These initiatives catered to low-income individuals, officials, and public servants, helping to meet housing demands during rapid urbanization in various areas.

To date, Phu Cuong Group has established an ecosystem of over 28 member companies, operating across four primary sectors: seafood processing and export, real estate, services, tourism, and hospitality, and renewable energy. The company states its development strategy prioritizes areas that generate added value and foster socio-economic impact in the Mekong Delta, linking business operations with local practical needs.

"Phu Cuong's growth is not merely measured by revenue or asset size," emphasized the Phu Cuong chairman. "Crucially, the company operates on a foundation of 'building from the heart', prioritizing community benefits and sustainable development. This approach allows us to maintain stable operations and navigate challenging periods."

Prior to this recognition, Nguyen Viet Cuong had received the First-class Labor Order and numerous other awards. The latest honor acknowledges his sustained investment and enterprise development within the region.

Amid the Mekong Delta's challenges with climate change, infrastructure, and economic restructuring, Phu Cuong Group affirms its commitment to a long-term investment strategy in the region. This strategy will prioritize job creation and contributions to sustainable development.

Song Anh