Foreign tourists at a beach in Phú Quốc. Phú Quốc will launch English training courses for local vendors, taxi drivers, tourism and service workers from September as part of preparations for the APEC 2027 Economic Leaders’ Week. — VNA/VNS Photo

AN GIANG — Phú Quốc Special Zone will launch English training courses for local vendors, taxi drivers, tourism and service workers from September as part of preparations for the APEC 2027 Economic Leaders’ Week.

Under the project “Enhancing foreign language capacity for the community in the 2026–30 period, with a vision to 2045”, recently announced by the Phú Quốc Special Zone authorities, English programmes will be piloted at 10-15 schools across all three education levels from September 2026 to June 2027.

Community English classes will also be organised in Dương Đông, Gành Dầu, An Thới and Dương Tơ, targeting groups that frequently interact with international visitors.

Priority will be given to market vendors, taxi drivers, tourism and service employees, students and local officials.

The courses will focus on practical communication skills, with flexible learning formats and the application of technology and artificial intelligence.

Residents can register through websites or links announced by organisers. Participants will then be assessed for their English proficiency and assigned suitable classes.

Nguyễn Thị Kim Loan, vice chairwoman of the Phú Quốc Special Zone People’s Committee, said the programme’s immediate goal was not to make learners fluent in English but to equip them with basic language skills and confidence when communicating with international visitors.

After the pilot phase, Phú Quốc plans to expand the programme to at least 50 per cent of local schools and double the number of community classes by 2030.

During the 2031–35 period, the programme is expected to cover all schools and expand further among residents.

As part of the project, Phú Quốc authorities will cooperate with education organisations, foreign language centres and businesses, while providing English scholarships for local students.

Hồ Văn Mừng, chairman of the An Giang People’s Committee, said improving foreign language skills among the community was an important part of preparing human resources for APEC 2027 and supporting the island’s long-term tourism development.

The APEC Economic Leaders’ Week is scheduled to take place in Phú Quốc in November 2027, with participation from leaders and representatives of 21 APEC member economies.

It will be the third time Việt Nam has hosted APEC, following Hà Nội in 2006 and Đà Nẵng in 2017. — VNS