Phu Quoc simultaneously upgrades infrastructure to welcome APEC 2027.

Phu Quoc (Kien Giang province) is urgently implementing several key projects to upgrade its transportation infrastructure, services, and tourism to welcome the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum, which will be held there in 2027 (APEC 2027).

Phu Quoc International Airport is currently overloaded and needs expansion to serve APEC 2027 - Photo: C.CONG

Among these, expanding Phu Quoc International Airport, upgrading seaports, developing connecting transportation systems, and building modern convention and exhibition centers are considered top priorities.

Expediting land clearance

The launching ceremony for projects serving the APEC 2027 High-Level Week in Phu Quoc in mid-March 2025 announced a list of key local projects and works dedicated to the major event.

Accordingly, Kien Giang will upgrade and expand Phu Quoc International Airport, the passenger port, Duong Dong reservoir, and the tram line from Phu Quoc airport to An Thoi...

Mr. Tran Minh Khoa, Chairman of the People's Committee of Phu Quoc City, said that the locality had surveyed the projects and found that there was much work to be done, especially the urgent expansion and upgrading of Phu Quoc International Airport due to overcrowding.

The city also lacks convention centers, press facilities, and exhibition spaces to promote the image of Phu Quoc, as well as to facilitate business exchanges and attract international economic organizations to attend conferences.

"We are urgently coordinating with relevant units to review the planning, address land issues, accelerate the progress of land clearance, and provide adequate compensation to people to create clean land for the expansion of Phu Quoc International Airport, as this is considered an important gateway for the successful hosting of APEC 2027," Mr. Khoa said.

According to the proposal, Phu Quoc Airport will be expanded to 1,026 hectares, with the construction of a second runway, an apron for approximately 40 aircraft, Terminal 2, waiting areas, and VIP lounges (for heads of state) with an area of ^​​700m² ; as well as warehouses and a cargo terminal... These projects aim to ensure the dual objectives of developing tourism and socio-economic activities on the island while also being ready to serve APEC 2027.

Phu Quoc Airport

Mobilizing resources for infrastructure

According to statistics from the People's Committee of Phu Quoc City, Phu Quoc currently has approximately 320 projects with a land area of ​​about 10,652 hectares and a total registered investment capital of over 412,000 billion VND. Large corporations such as Vin Group and Sun Group have invested in developing commercial and tourism services with many unique and high-class attractions.

Mr. Dang Minh Truong, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sun Group, stated that the APEC 2027 event, to be held in Phu Quoc, will be a significant milestone, creating momentum to make Phu Quoc a leading tourism and economic center in the region and the world.

"If entrusted with this responsibility, we are committed to working alongside the Government and local authorities to mobilize all resources to realize this vision," Mr. Truong said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ngo Nhat Minh - General Manager of Wyndham Grand Phu Quoc Hotel - also stated that the hotel has reviewed the number of guest rooms, ensuring they meet international 5-star standards, and that the meeting and conference rooms have been updated and equipped with advanced equipment.

"Regarding cuisine, we have diversified our menu to include international dishes, tailored to the needs of international guests; and we provide foreign language training for our staff to ensure we meet customer demands," Mr. Truong informed.

On the government side, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Nhan, Chairman of the People's Committee of Kien Giang province, said that the province has proactively assessed infrastructure, proposed several key projects to the Government, and suggested appropriate mechanisms and policies; it has also set out solutions and a roadmap to mobilize the entire political system, along with the participation of the people, resources from society, especially strategic investors, in order to thoroughly prepare for the upcoming APEC 2027.

Specifically, the An Thoi International Seaport (An Thoi Ward) will be upgraded to a scale of 100 hectares, capable of accommodating the world's largest cruise ships; provincial road 975 will be expanded, a new urban ferry route will be built, the main roads from Duong Dong to the North of Phu Quoc Island (975B) will be upgraded, and the East-West Phu Quoc Island highway project will be implemented...

In particular, the APEC multi-functional complex in An Thoi ward is a key project, with a reclaimed land area of ​​57 hectares (no land clearance required), including facilities such as: a convention and exhibition center, a multi-purpose auditorium; an international press center, APEC square, etc.

"Phu Quoc has basically met the conditions to host international conferences and events. By launching projects to serve APEC 2027 in Phu Quoc, we will not only serve the conference but also contribute to building this beautiful island into a world-class tourism and service center," Mr. Nguyen Thanh Nhan expressed his expectations.

Phu Quoc - Photo: CHI CONG

How does Phu Quoc handle household waste?

Phu Quoc generates approximately 180-200 tons of household waste daily, which is collected and transported to the temporary Dong Cay Sao landfill (Cua Duong commune).

The local authorities have put into operation the temporary Dong Cay Sao waste treatment plant with a registered capacity to process over 125,000 tons of household waste within 22 months (from May 9, 2024 to March 9, 2026), but it is still unable to completely solve the needs on the island.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tung, head of the Phu Quoc Economic Zone Management Board, informed that Kien Giang province has agreed to convert approximately 14.55 hectares of special-use forest in plot 2, sub-area 68, in Bai Bon hamlet (Ham Ninh commune) to build a waste treatment plant with a processing capacity of about 250 tons per day and night.

"The unit has noted that four investors have expressed interest in investing in advanced technologies to build a household waste treatment plant on Phu Quoc Island."

"We are urgently completing the necessary procedures and documents to invest in the construction of a household waste treatment plant in Bai Bon hamlet, contributing to environmental protection and local tourism development," Mr. Tung said.

Establish the APEC 2027 Steering Committee soon.

At the project launch ceremony for APEC 2027 in Phu Quoc on March 14th, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha requested Kien Giang province to urgently establish an APEC 2027 Steering Committee, assign tasks to each member, and promptly implement, monitor, and review progress, resolve difficulties and obstacles, effectively carry out land clearance, and accelerate the attraction of investors to implement infrastructure and projects serving APEC 2027.

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