Phu Quoc Rushes Infrastructure Projects Ahead of APEC 2027

Phu Quoc, Vietnam's largest island, is accelerating the completion of its light rail, a 10-lane road, and airport expansion ahead of hosting the APEC Summit in 2027. The island is undergoing a significant transformation with the development of key infrastructure projects aimed at positioning it as a premier international tourism, trade, and financial center. A central element of this transformation is the DT975, a vital corridor connecting Phu Quoc International Airport with the APEC Convention Center. This route is being developed as a crucial component of the island's future transport network, featuring a 62-meter wide cross-section with 10 motor vehicle lanes and an integrated light rail transit (LRT) line. The design emphasizes seamless movement and reduced at-grade crossings. The LRT line will be adapted to the island's terrain, with 14.81 km at ground level, 0.78 km on elevated structures, and 2 km underground through the APEC core area. Six stations are planned, with designs inspired by Vietnam's diverse cultural identities, including the northwestern region, Hanoi's Old Quarter, Hue, the Central Highlands, and Saigon, as well as an underground APEC station. LED screens and large electronic displays will be installed along the median and at key intersections to present images of Vietnam and its people to international visitors. Construction is being expedited to meet the 2027 deadline. Despite challenges from the rainy season and complex geological conditions, construction teams are working around the clock in three shifts. As of early September, approximately 65% of the technical trench work for the DT975 expansion was completed, with drainage and road foundation works nearing 50%. All four bridges along the route are under construction, with overall progress exceeding 55%. Asphalt paving is scheduled for completion in stages from late 2026 to early 2027. LRT construction is progressing in parallel, with civil works on tunnels, bridges, and stations underway, and rail installation having begun. The entire 17.59-km double-track line is expected to have its rail system installed within the next six months, marking a rapid implementation for Vietnam's urban railway projects. Dr. Vo Tri Thanh, Director of the Institute for Brand and Competitiveness Strategy Research, views APEC 2027 as a rare opportunity for Phu Quoc to achieve a qualitative leap in infrastructure development and establish a new growth pole. According to Sun Group, the investor, the DT975 is part of a broader multimodal infrastructure network linking air, water, and land transport. The expansion of Phu Quoc International Airport is also being accelerated for a 2027 completion. Sun Group and An Giang province are exploring cooperation on over 10 infrastructure and tourism projects, including the An Thoi International Port and a VND17 trillion (US$653 million) mixed-use tourism and port logistics urban area, aiming to develop Phu Quoc into a global hub. This integrated transport network is expected to significantly enhance Phu Quoc's transport capacity for APEC 2027 and lay the foundation for its long-term development and competitiveness as a world-class eco-tourism hub and a venue for premium services, and healthcare.