Enterprises have experienced many ups and downs due to the Covid-19 pandemic. According to statistics from the Ministry of Planning and Investment, more than 78,000 firms withdrew from the market in the January–September period this year. However, during the period, many enterprises still managed to contribute significantly to the fight against the pandemic and to support disadvantaged people through practical activities; and cement producer Fico-YTL was not an outsider in this cause.

Joining hands with the community

Doan Tran Minh Thu, who is in charge of communications at Fico-YTL, said cement enterprises are facing high inventories as large projects have been suspended. Therefore, their donations, no matter how small, these days are appreciated. Besides Covid-19, complicated weather conditions have strongly affected production and business activities. However, Fico-YTL has even stepped up its activities to support the community by supplying essential commodities to those who are at the frontlines in the fight against the pandemic. As for social welfare activities, Fico-YTL has supported the supply of clean water to residents in Tan Hoa Commune, Tan Chau District, Tay Ninh Province, and has regularly called on six Vietnamese heroic mothers whom the company had earlier committed to take care of, in the southern province of Tay Ninh, where the firm is located. The firm has also coordinated with the provincial government to install streetlights along nearly six kilometers of roads to ensure traffic safety and social order for residents in Cay Cay Hamlet, Tan Hoa Commune, Tan Chau District. In May last year, Fico-YTL donated more than VND500 million to build a playground for children at the April 30 Park in Tay Ninh City of the province. In addition, the firm has donated thousands of cement bags to build and upgrade many schools in Tay Ninh and construct bridges and roads in the Mekong Delta, according to Ms Minh Thu. Since 2009, it has spent more than VND100 billion on its community activities. Fico-YTL has been highly evaluated for its tremendous efforts for the community betterment.

Building the foundation for the future

Last year, Fico-YTL launched “Sustainable Development Goal 2025” scheme with the strategic goal of building a prosperous community and contributing to sustainable development in Tay Ninh. The scheme is based on the combination of effective business, environmental protection and positive contributions to the community. This three-pronged strategy is referred to by Fico-YTL as the journey to build the foundation for the future. Commenting on the notion of the goal to build the foundation for the future, the communication executive said it relates to education for the young and support to improve living conditions for the community. “Fico-YTL is a cement producer, so when mentioning foundation for the future, many people would think about the company’s supply of cement for construction projects like houses, roads, bridges and airports. In fact, with the scheme, we target to support the education of young generations and the improvement of living conditions of local people,” she noted.