Deputy Prime Minister Trần Hồng Hà delivered a speech at the event

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Trần Hồng Hà emphasised that hosting the APEC Summit 2027 is both a great honour and a sacred responsibility, as well as a highly demanding task.

"At the same time, this is also a one-of-a-kind opportunity to help Phú Quốc become the spotlight of the world, affirming its position as one of the world’s most beautiful tourist destinations and demonstrating its capacity to host major international events for Phú Quốc, Kiên Giang, and Vietnam," he shared.

The Party and the Government have affirmed that proactively initiating key infrastructure projects for the summit is a crucial step in ensuring the successful organisation of APEC 2027. The completion of these projects will enhance the infrastructure necessary for the event and further elevate Phú Quốc as a premier destination on the global tourism map.

Major projects for the APEC Summit 2027

In preparation for APEC, Phú Quốc is accelerating investments in air, sea, and land transportation infrastructure. The city plans to develop an international airport meeting the 4E standard, featuring upgrades to the capacity of the terminal, cargo terminal, VIP terminal, aircraft parking aprons, and runway.

Phú Quốc unveils a series of projects in preparation for APEC 2027

Phú Quốc International Airport will be expanded to 1,073 hectares, extending the existing runway to 3.5 km, constructing a second 3.3 km-long runway, and building a new Terminal 2 for international flights with a capacity of 20 million passengers. Rạch Giá Airport is also set to upgrade and expand to a scale of about 200 hectares, extending its runway by about 2.4 km and building a new terminal to accommodate larger aircraft.

Beyond air travel, An Thới International Seaport will be expanded to 100 hectares, enabling it to receive some of the world's largest cruise ships, such as Icon of the Seas, which can carry 7,000 to 10,000 passengers.

To improve road connectivity between Phú Quốc International Airport and the APEC Summit Convention Centre, the city will expand Road 975, develop a new urban rail system, and build the eastern coastal road. Upgrades will also be made to the Dương Đông-North Island axis routes (975B) and the East-West Avenue project, connecting Phú Quốc’s new administrative centre to Hàm Ninh Port.

Another key project is APEC Avenue, creating a horizontal axis connecting DT 973 and DT 975 to the APEC Multifunctional Complex, with a roadbed width of 68m and a length of about 3 km.

The city will also carry out urban beautification and underground infrastructure work in existing urban centres, including An Thới and Dương Đông. Further infrastructure improvements will include investments in reservoirs, water treatment plants, the renovation of the Dương Đông River, and the construction of waste and wastewater treatment facilities.

The APEC Multifunctional Complex is another key project, reclaiming 57 hectares of sea, which will create a unique landscape integrated with the existing beachfront, without requiring land clearance.

The complex will accommodate nearly 15,000 people, including a 10,000-square-metre Conference and Exhibition Centre with a seating capacity of 3,000 to 3,500, a multifunctional auditorium, APEC Square, and an International Press Centre capable of accommodating 3,000 to 4,000 journalists.

A high-rise mixed-use area will feature hotels, a duty-free shopping centre, and a multifunctional cultural and arts centre with a capacity of 3,000 to 3,500 seats, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for hosting performances and shows produced by leading global entertainment companies. Within the centre, there will also be a dining area capable of serving 3,000 to 4,000 guests.

Next is a 69-storey iconic tower, integrating office space, hotels, shopping malls, and a marina, which is expected to create a new landmark for Phú Quốc in the 21st century.

Together with existing landmarks, including Kiss Bridge, the longest non-stop three-rope Hòn Thơm cable car, and the nightly Kiss of the Sea multimedia show with fireworks displays, the APEC Multifunctional Complex will establish a new symbol and create long-term value for the local tourism industry.

APEC 2027 will be the launchpad to transform Phú Quốc

APEC 2027 presents a historic opportunity for Phú Quốc, but also poses significant challenges, particularly in ensuring timely project completion. To meet the ambitious deadlines, it requires the decisive support of local authorities and the active participation of carefully selected strategic investors.

APEC 2027 will serve as the launchpad to transform Phú Quốc from a resort island into a leading economic and conference hub

"If Decision 178 laid the crucial foundation and served as a guiding principle for Phú Quốc’s take-off, then the APEC Summit 2027 presents the second invaluable opportunity, paving the way for the strong development of Phú Quốc in the new era — the era of the nation’s rise," said Nguyễn Thanh Nhàn, Chairman of the Kiên Giang Provincial People's Committee. He highlighted that this is not only an opportunity to elevate Phú Quốc and Kiên Giang on the global stage but also to enhance Vietnam’s international stature.

APEC 2027 is more than just an event. It will serve as the launchpad to transform Phú Quốc from a resort island into a premier economic and conference hub in the region. With only two years left to prepare, the Deputy Prime Minister has instructed a focus on investment preparation, accelerating land clearance, and fast-tracking investment promotion to attract strategic investors. He also stressed the urgency of negotiating and identifying existing infrastructure projects for enhancement and quality improvements.

This requires a concerted effort from Kiên Giang Province, Phú Quốc City, and strategic investors. Đặng Minh Trường, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sun Group, emphasised that APEC 2027 will mark a critical milestone, driving Phú Quốc’s transformation into a top-tier tourism and economic centre.

“With unwavering commitment, responsibility, and the aspiration to enrich this land, we pledge to stand alongside the Government, local authorities, and the people of Kiên Giang and Phú Quốc, mobilising all resources to realise this vision," he said.

Meanwhile, Hà expressed confidence in Phú Quốc’s ability to fulfil this critical mission. "Together, we are determined to make APEC 2027 a resounding success, leaving a lasting impression on our partners and APEC member economies of a friendly, peaceful, dynamic, and globally integrated Vietnam. Phú Quốc will shine as a unique and captivating destination on the world map," he affirmed.