MOSCOW, Nov 4 (Vietnam Insider) — Madam Thai Huong, Chairwoman of the Strategic Council of TH Group and CEO of Bac A Bank, has been awarded the Order of Friendship by Russian President Vladimir Putin, recognizing her exceptional contributions to strengthening Vietnam–Russia cooperation in food security and sustainable agriculture.
The ceremony took place at the Kremlin Palace on November 4, where Huong was celebrated for her leadership in pioneering high-tech agricultural investments that have deepened bilateral ties between the two nations.
“I will continue to build upon what we have achieved, fostering friendship and prosperity between the peoples of Vietnam and Russia,” Huong said during the event. “Our scientists, farmers, and citizens will remain partners on fertile fields, generation after generation, for a better and happier life.”
From Fresh Milk to Global Recognition
Thai Huong founded TH Group in 2009, laying the foundation for Vietnam’s fresh milk revolution and positioning the company as a leader in green and circular economy practices. In 2015, she made a bold move abroad, launching a USD 2.7 billion investment program in Russia to develop a nationwide high-tech agricultural ecosystem stretching across Moscow, Kaluga, Bashkortostan, and the Primorsky Krai in the Far East.
The initiative established a vertically integrated network for dairy farming, grain cultivation, and food processing, supplying fresh, high-quality products to Russian consumers and creating new benchmarks for international agribusiness cooperation.
“We wanted to share Vietnam’s agricultural know-how and help address Russia’s dairy shortage,” Huong said. “It’s not only a business project but a bridge of technology, science, and shared values.”
Building One of Russia’s Largest Dairy Operations
TH Group’s Russian operations have grown into one of the country’s most advanced dairy projects. The company manages modern farms in Moscow and Kaluga with nearly 10,000 high-yield Holstein cows, imported from the U.S. and hand-selected by TH experts.
Each cow produces an average of over 40 liters of milk per day, among the highest yields in Russia. The fresh milk, known for its rich 4.0% fat and 3.2% protein content, is purchased by major multinational brands including Danoneand PepsiCo.
In May 2024, TH inaugurated its Kaluga Milk Processing Plant, located in a special industrial zone. The facility — one of the largest in the Russian Federation — has a processing capacity of 1,000 tons per day (with 500 tons in its initial phase) and produces a wide range of dairy products: pasteurized and UHT milk, Smetana, Yogurt, Kefir, Ryazhenka, butter, cheese, and ice cream.
Revitalizing Agriculture and Local Communities
The group is also developing grain and oilseed cultivation projects in Bashkortostan to bolster local food supply and reduce import dependence. These efforts have revived tens of thousands of hectares of abandoned farmland, generated over 500 local jobs, and contributed to the revitalization of Russia’s rural economy.
TH’s model of “sustainable agricultural diplomacy” has become a flagship example of successful Vietnam–Russia cooperation. The company aims to expand exports from Russia to other BRICS and Asia-Pacific markets while introducing organic and international-standard products developed on Russian soil.
Backed by the support of both governments, Thai Huong’s long-term vision — combining modern technology with responsible farming — is being hailed as a symbol of Vietnam’s growing global influence in sustainable agribusiness.
As the world grapples with food security and climate challenges, her recognition by Putin marks not only a personal honor but also a milestone in Vietnam’s expanding economic footprint abroad.
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Source: Vietnam Insider