Vietnam's largest island to host APEC 2027

The Hanoi Times -- Phu Quoc Island, located in Vietnam's southernmost province of Kien Giang, has been selected to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in 2027.

APEC, a regional economic forum established in 1989, fosters prosperity among its 21 member economies by promoting balanced, inclusive, and sustainable growth while advancing regional economic integration.

Vietnam joined the organization in 1998, and APEC 2027 will be the third event to be hosted by the country after the first in 2006 and 2017. At the 30th APEC Leaders' Meeting in 2023 in the US, the leaders of all 21 economies agreed to pick Vietnam to host the next summit in 2027.

At the government meeting on February 3, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said that hosting APEC 2027 is important both as a political task and as an opportunity to promote Phu Quoc Island and Kien Giang Province.

He assigned deputy prime ministers to oversee key areas, with Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung in charge of infrastructure and logistics, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son taking care of the content of the conference discussions, and Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha in charge of land and forest issues.

Phu Quoc, a first-class city in Kien Giang Province, is known as the “Pearl Island” of Vietnam, boasting 22 islands and a well-developed tourism ecosystem. With luxury resorts, entertainment complexes, and high-end hotels, it is highly competitive in both domestic and international markets.

Government officials said that as the host of APEC 2027, Phu Quoc will welcome global delegates, which is both an opportunity and a responsibility. To prepare for the global event, the city must upgrade infrastructure, including a convention center, public squares, hotels, transportation networks, environmental improvement and urban beautification.

During a visit to Phu Quoc in March 2024, Prime Minister Chinh asked local authorities to prioritize projects such as waste and water treatment, airport upgrades, and road construction to develop Phu Quoc into a modern, green, and globally integrated city.

Kien Giang Province has proposed over 40 key projects totaling more than VND305 trillion (US$11.9 billion), with major investments in transport, utilities, and hospitality.

The government will focus on basic infrastructure while encouraging private investment in sectors such as hotels, resorts and convention centers. The Prime Minister emphasized long-term planning, efficiency and anti-corruption measures. Accordingly, projects must be in line with Phu Quoc's master plan, which balances modernization with cultural and environmental preservation.

Dr Vo Tri Thanh, Head of Institute for Brand and Competitiveness Strategy, told local media that Phu Quoc’s selection as an APEC venue reflects Vietnam’s transformation and international integration. It requires collaboration among government, businesses, and experts to build a vibrant, sustainable city that enhances national prestige while maintaining its unique identity.

He said that for a Vietnamese destination to host events of this scale, it must meet two key criteria. First, it must possess a unique identity where natural beauty harmonizes with rich cultural traditions. Second, it must reflect Vietnam’s essence as a welcoming, friendly, and open nation, offering high-quality services that showcase a country undergoing reform, progress, and deeper global integration.

With these factors, Phu Quoc stands out as an ideal choice, balancing both development and breathtaking landscapes.

However, the expert said it's necessary to strengthen the engagement of various stakeholders, especially leading domestic companies. "I hope the business community will continue to participate and work towards shared prosperity." Leading Vietnamese companies such as Sun Group and VinGroup have moved beyond traditional profit-driven models to align their businesses with sustainable development, social responsibility, and environmental protection, Dr. Thanh added.

He said hosting the event is not only an opportunity for Phu Quoc but for the nation as a whole. “We must cultivate an image of Phu Quoc as a strong, globally integrated destination, one that embraces modern trends while preserving its cultural heritage and unique identity.”

The expert said it becomes essential to build proper urban planning to ensure that Phu Quoc continues to uphold its reputation as the “Pearl Island.”

Phu Quoc's master development plan extends to 2040, requiring collaboration across multiple sectors, including central and local governments, businesses, residents, and major enterprises. In addition, input from experts, cultural scholars, economists, and urban planners is crucial to ensuring the city's sustainable growth.

Dr. Vo Tri Thanh stressed that Phu Quoc has gained valuable experience in service delivery, but there is still room for improvement in all sectors.

"Both residents and business owners must realize that enhancing services is not only about building Phu Quoc's reputation, but also about fostering a collective national consciousness and raising Vietnam's global standing," he said.

Phu Quoc is a natural paradise with mountains, rivers, streams, lush forests and a vast coastline, offering visitors crystal clear waters, breathtaking coral reefs, thrilling sports and entertainment at world-class entertainment complexes.

Beyond adventure, the island offers a rich culinary experience with its diverse local specialties, particularly fresh seafood delights like Ham Ninh crab, bun Quay (noodles), Rose myrtle wine, and Melaleuca mushroom, and especially Phu Quoc fish sauce, the first product in Vietnam to receive Geographical Indication (GI) status.

In 2024, Phu Quoc welcomed nearly six million visitors, including 962,449 foreign arrivals, up 73.4% from the previous year. The city earned VND21.2 trillion ($828.5 million) from tourism, up 43.3% from 2023.