Sunset town is a renowned destination in Phu Quoc city. (Source: Sun World)

APEC 2027 is seen as an historic opportunity for Phu Quoc to leap forward, catalysing the province’s economic growth and elevating Vietnam’s profile internationally. To that end, Kien Giang is prioritising investment in a sweeping portfolio of projects, divided into two major groups: critical infrastructure directly serving the event, and longer-term strategic developments that also align with the island’s sustainable growth goals.

Of the total proposed amount, nearly 20.2 trillion VND will come from the central budget, while the remainder is slated for investment under public–private partnerships and commercial ventures.

Urgent priorities include land reclamation to build a 57-hectare international convention centre, a new 3-kilometre APEC boulevard, and a 20-kilometre urban railway linking Phu Quoc International Airport to the future convention centre. Additional projects span from undergrounding utilities in Duong Dong and An Thoi urban areas to constructing two major freshwater reservoirs, along with waste treatment plants, smart city infrastructure, and upgrades of Phu Quoc International Airport.

The central budget will cover 70% of costs for key public works, including fresh water reservoirs, the convention centre, digital transformation infrastructure, and road construction, with the remaining 30% funded by local budgets.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh ordered Phu Quoc to pioneer digital transformation before 2027 and green transition before 2030, with the vision of creating a fossil fuel-free island and establishing one of the world's premier environmental destinations.

Authorities were asked to review core aspects of the island's development, including ecological tourism and world-class hospitality, while ensuring efficient use of natural resources, particularly land, water, and forests as well as effectively mobilising development resources.

Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Nhan called on departments, sectors, branches, and Phu Quoc to speed up investment preparations, land clearance, project construction, and other necessary conditions to ensure the timely implementation of the planned projects.

Looking beyond APEC 2027, Kien Giang envisions Phu Quoc as a strategic coastal city with international appeal, targeting development milestones through 2030, 2050, and even further. The goal is to elevate the island into a world–class destination, positioning it among the world’s top 10 largest and most attractive islands, comparable to renowned destinations like Bali and Phuket.