At the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Le Quoc Anh, Secretary of the Party Committee of Phu Quoc Special Administrative Zone, An Giang Province, delivered a presentation titled “Developing Phu Quoc into a National and International Integrated Economic, Tourism and Service Center.” The presentation highlighted Phu Quoc’s strategic role in Vietnam’s socio-economic development, national defense, security and foreign affairs, while identifying APEC 2027 as a historic opportunity for the island’s breakthrough growth.
With a natural area of 575 square kilometers and a population of over 160,000, Phu Quoc boasts a long coastline, vast marine areas and a strategic location along key international maritime and aviation routes. These advantages position the island as an important external trade gateway for Vietnam and provide a strong foundation for its development as a modern marine economy, tourism and service center of regional and international stature.
In line with Resolution No. 13-NQ/TW of the Politburo and directives from the central leadership, particularly the guidance of the Party General Secretary during a working session with An Giang Province in November 2025, Phu Quoc has clearly defined its goal of becoming a breakthrough growth pole, a high-quality eco-tourism and service hub, and a leading island tourism destination at national and international levels.
A Solid Foundation for APEC 2027
During the 2020–2025 period, with strong support from the central government, local authorities and the business community, Phu Quoc achieved remarkable results. The island recorded an average economic growth rate of 19.6% per year, while the trade and tourism sector grew by 68.45% compared to the beginning of the term, making a significant contribution to the provincial budget.
In 2025 alone, Phu Quoc welcomed 8.3 million visitors, exceeding the plan by 18.1% and increasing by 38.5% year-on-year. International arrivals reached 1.9 million, surpassing targets by 86% and rising by 93.6%. The island has been repeatedly recognized on the global tourism map, reinforcing its image as an emerging international destination.
These achievements paved the way for Phu Quoc to be selected as the host of the APEC 2027 Economic Leaders’ Week, a major diplomatic event reflecting Vietnam’s growing international standing and Phu Quoc’s rising prominence.
Post-APEC Vision: Phu Quoc as a New Growth Engine
In preparation for APEC 2027, Phu Quoc is implementing 21 key projects, including transport, urban and technical infrastructure as well as conference and event facilities. These projects are not only designed to serve APEC but also function as strategic drivers for long-term socio-economic development beyond 2027.
Flagship projects include the Phu Quoc International Airport, the APEC Convention and Exhibition Center, a multi-purpose performance complex, strategic transport corridors such as DT975, and the first phase of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system. Together, these developments will enhance the island’s capacity to host international events, attract investment, and promote trade, tourism and external relations.
According to the Party Secretary of Phu Quoc, APEC 2027 is not merely a political task but a golden opportunity to improve institutions, governance capacity and human resources. The island has adopted the guiding principle that “every resident and every business in Phu Quoc is a tourism ambassador.”
The participation of the private sector, notably Sun Group, has played a crucial role in this process. Through direct investment and public–private partnership (PPP) models, private enterprises have actively supported the development of strategic infrastructure and high-quality tourism and entertainment services, in line with Politburo Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW on promoting the private economy as a key driver of national growth.
Previously, at the seminar “Phu Quoc Special Zone – Taking Off with APEC,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Dinh Thien, a member of the Prime Minister’s Policy Advisory Council, noted that Phu Quoc is demonstrating a spirit of “rapid advancement and breakthrough,” combining speed with quality, modernity and strong cultural identity—an advantage few places in the world can replicate.
With strong political determination, a clear strategic vision and the concerted efforts of central and local authorities, businesses and the public, Phu Quoc stands at a pivotal moment to achieve a major breakthrough, moving steadily toward becoming a national and international economic, tourism and service hub—an emblem of Vietnam’s aspiration for integration and development in the new era.
As Phu Quoc enters a new development phase associated with APEC 2027 and its long-term post-event vision, the demand for strategic consulting, investment advisory, planning and project development services is becoming increasingly critical. With proven experience in local development strategies, investment promotion, digital economy, infrastructure, and tourism–service real estate, SD Link serves as a trusted advisory partner to local authorities, enterprises and investors. By providing in-depth consulting solutions, SD Link helps stakeholders identify opportunities, optimize resources and implement projects in an efficient, sustainable manner aligned with national development orientations, thereby contributing to Phu Quoc’s ambition to emerge as a regional and international economic, tourism and service hub.
As Phu Quoc enters a breakthrough development phase aligned with APEC 2027 and its long-term vision beyond the event, the demand for strategic consulting, planning, and investment advisory is becoming increasingly critical. With practical experience in regional development consulting, market analysis, and investment strategy formulation, SD Link partners with government authorities and businesses to shape development directions, optimize resources, and implement projects in an efficient and sustainable manner. Through a comprehensive approach and in-depth consulting solutions, SD Link helps bridge strategic vision with practical execution, contributing to the realization of Phu Quoc’s ambition to become an international economic, tourism, and service hub.
Source: Compiled by Thuy Dang