Phu Quoc Accelerates Infrastructure Development for APEC 2027

Vietnam is accelerating infrastructure development in Phu Quoc Island, Kien Giang Province, in preparation for hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in 2027. The island is slated to host the APEC Leaders' Week, with the construction of its airport, a light rail system, a convention center, and a multipurpose venue currently underway. The new passenger terminal (T2) at Phu Quoc International Airport, part of its expansion project, is nearing completion, with concrete structures at 95% and the main roof steel structure finished. The airport expansion covers approximately 1,050 hectares and aims to handle 20-24 million passengers annually by 2030, with the first phase scheduled to commence operations in April 2027. A VIP terminal is also being built to accommodate up to 300 distinguished guests. A 17-kilometer light rail (LRT) project connecting the airport to the APEC conference area has also begun, with rail laying initiated in some sections. This project is expected to start trial runs in July 2027 and commence commercial operations in November 2027. Construction is also progressing on the APEC Convention Center and an adjacent multipurpose venue. The convention center aims for exterior completion by the fourth quarter of 2026 and interior completion by March 31, 2027. The multipurpose venue targets exterior completion by the fourth quarter of 2026 and interior completion by March 30, 2027, featuring an auditorium with approximately 4,030 seats. This marks Vietnam's third time hosting APEC, following 2006 and 2017. The significant infrastructure investment in Phu Quoc is part of the government's strategy to develop the island into a leading international tourism and conference hub. Source: VnExpress