Green and smart transformation
On the South Island construction site in early 2026, the appearance of a new political and economic center is emerging at a speed that international media have described as "the speed of light." By the end of 2025, the APEC Convention and Exhibition Center and multi-purpose performance hall, with a total investment of VND 21,860 billion, had reached 33% completion in less than six months of construction. According to Sun Group , the project is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027, ready months in advance for the APEC High-Level Week.
Speaking at the Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone Conference - Taking Off with APEC, Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Director of the Institute for Tourism Development Research, stated that this is a "unique golden opportunity" for Phu Quoc to accelerate its rise on the global MICE tourism map. These projects are key infrastructure developments for the island to transform into a world-class service, cultural, and ecological center.
In the new era, "green" is a mandatory standard for Phu Quoc to join the club of global destinations. Mr. Tran Minh Khoa, Chairman of the People's Committee of Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone, affirmed that the special economic zone has signed a commitment to "Green Transformation" with international organizations, aiming for Net Zero with a Green Transformation Project expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026. To realize this commitment, Phu Quoc is deploying its "trump card" in smart transportation: the LRT urban rail system. With a total investment of nearly 9,000 billion VND, 18km long, connecting the airport to the APEC Convention Center, the LRT is the solution to the problem of reducing emissions. Operating entirely on electricity, this system helps reduce emissions by up to 99% compared to private vehicles, while shortening travel time to just 20 minutes.
To welcome thousands of international delegates, the "smart" element is emphasized right from the airport gateway. The Phu Quoc International Airport expansion project, invested by Sun Group, has revealed a comprehensive TAM (Total Airport Management) operational model along with a biometric system creating a "seamless, contactless" journey. With screening technology from Smiths Detection and a modern ICS baggage handling system, check-in time is reduced to just 15-20 seconds per person. In addition, the implementation of ePass non-stop toll collection also helps resolve congestion and promote urban civility.
The Singapore lesson and the "compact city" mindset.
With 60-70% of its area covered by primary forest, Phu Quoc constantly faces a conflict between conservation and development. Dr. Nguyen Si Dung suggests a lesson from Singapore: strictly preserving the forest while considering land reclamation in suitable locations to create space for infrastructure. “25% of Singapore’s area is due to land reclamation; without it, Singapore’s area would be only the same as Phu Quoc. If Phu Quoc reclaims land like Singapore, it would be just as good. However, it needs more talent and a larger population. Singapore has nearly 6 million people, while Phu Quoc only has just over 200,000. To develop strongly, it needs to attract a large population to settle here,” Dr. Nguyen Si Dung stated.
Along with attracting residents comes the "compact city" model. Dr. Tran Du Lich argues that it is necessary to create large green spaces alongside high-rise, compact urban clusters to optimize land use. In these areas, the LRT (Low-Rise Transit) system acts as a "backbone" connecting growth poles, reducing pressure on the road network. Any green and smart ambitions will be difficult to realize without a superior institutional framework. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Trung Luong emphasizes that Phu Quoc needs a sandbox mechanism to create differentiation, especially a substantive policy for strategic investors.
APEC 2027 is a "boost" for Phu Quoc to complete its transformation, but the lasting value left behind after the conference is what will determine its future. Through a green transportation roadmap, modernized MICE infrastructure, and a special mechanism, Phu Quoc is affirming its position as a sustainable special economic zone. As Associate Professor Tran Dinh Thien asserted: "If given a highly innovative mechanism, Phu Quoc will make a strong breakthrough. This is an unmissable opportunity to truly propel the Pearl Island to new heights."
Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/phu-quoc-cat-canh-cung-apec-2027-post838422.html
Comment (0)