Saigon Industry Corporation (CNS) and British company BAT late last week celebrated the 30th anniversary of their successful partnership in Viet Nam. — VNS Photo

HCMC (Biz Hub) — Saigon Industry Corporation (CNS) and British company BAT late last week celebrated the 30th anniversary of their successful partnership in Viet Nam.

The beginning of their partnership marked a milestone for Viet Nam by heralding its global integration and switch to a market economy.

Since then the two companies have built close ties and undertook many construction works and installation of production lines. Their equipment and facilities have constantly been improving.

Chu Tien Dung, general director of CNS, said: "CNS and BAT represent an outstanding international partnership in Viet Nam. Their cordial relationship over the past 30 years proves the model's success. To strengthen the partnership, CNS always welcomes new things while BAT makes great efforts to find common cause with CNS. On the journey, CNS and BAT have become the best of partners for each other."

Peter Henriques, general manager of BAT, Southeast Asia, described the relationship between BAT and CNS as a "traditional friendship."

"Thanks to the respect and trust that flows from this, we can learn from each other and enjoy mutual enrichment."

Over the years BAT and CNS have made significant contributions to the local community. The two companies have donated nearly VND80 billion to Viet Nam's fund for prevention and control of tobacco harm. CNS has donated VND50 billion for community activities. BAT focuses on sustainable projects in education, improving community living quality and sustainable agriculture.

BAT has run a programme supporting the household economy benefiting more than 300 families nation-wide in the past 12 years, built more than 80 charity houses and 20 bridges in rural areas and supplied three million seedlings, partly helping green 10,000 hectares of barren land in provinces such as Lang Son, Cao Bang, Gia Lai, Tay Ninh, Dong Thap and Bac Kan. — VNS