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APEC 2027: Infrastructure Projects Accelerate on Phu Quoc Island
As the APEC Summit in 2027 approaches, infrastructure development on Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island is accelerating, with projects including airport expansion, urban rail, major roads, and convention centers in their final stages. As of September 2026, these key projects are progressing rapidly, aiming for a successful international summit and elevating Phu Quoc's global standing.
As Vietnam gears up to host the 2027 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, major infrastructure projects on Phu Quoc Island are rapidly advancing towards completion. As of September 2026, key developments including the expansion of the international airport, the construction of an urban rail transit system (LRT), the development of vital arterial roads, and the establishment of a convention and performance center are all in their final stages of accelerated construction. The Phu Quoc International Airport expansion project, spanning 1,050 hectares, is set to be the primary gateway for international delegates and visitors attending the APEC Summit. The first phase is designed to handle 20 to 24 million passengers annually by 2030, positioning Phu Quoc among the nation's largest airports. The terminal's architectural design draws inspiration from the phoenix, symbolizing rebirth and the country's "new era of development." By September 2026, approximately 95% of the main terminal's concrete structure was complete, with finishing works progressing. Phase one is slated for operation by April 2027. Complementing the main airport is a dedicated VIP terminal, covering 5.3 hectares with a floor area of 9,890 square meters. Its unique architecture, inspired by the sea eagle, is specifically designed to host heads of state and their delegations of up to 300 people. This facility is expected to be fully prepared by March 2027. Connecting the airport to the APEC convention center in the southern part of the island is a 17.59-kilometer urban rail transit (LRT) line. This system will feature six modern stations, with designs reflecting Vietnam's distinct northern, central, and southern cultural elements. Trial runs are targeted for July 2027, with commercial operations commencing in November 2027. Alongside the LRT, the DT.975 provincial road, a north-south arterial route, and the APEC Boulevard, connecting to the entire complex, are under development and scheduled for completion by the second quarter of 2027. The APEC Convention and Exhibition Center, considered the "heart" of the APEC complex, boasts a total floor area of 153,130 square meters. Its architectural highlight is a roof system mimicking undulating sea waves. The project aims to complete its exterior works by the fourth quarter of 2026 and interior finishing by March 31, 2027. Adjacent to the convention center is the APEC Multi-purpose Performance Center, with a floor area of 54,680 square meters and a grand auditorium seating 4,030. Its architecture is stylized to represent dragon scales, referencing the "Dragon and Fairy" legend, a cornerstone of Vietnamese culture. Exterior completion is expected by the fourth quarter of 2026, with full interior finishing by March 30, 2027. These rapid infrastructure developments are not only crucial for the success of the 2027 APEC Summit but are also expected to propel Phu Quoc into becoming a world-class center for tourism, services, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions).
Original source
Nhan Dan