Real Estate

APEC 2027: Phú Quốc’s Vision for a Green, Smart City Attracting Island Migration?

APEC 2027 is more than a diplomatic milestone—it’s a historic opportunity for Phú Quốc to redefine its global brand. To ensure this “takeoff” endures beyond the moment, the island is banking on a transformative roadmap anchored in two pillars: Sustainability and Smart Innovation. This vision is backed by game-changing infrastructure megaprojects poised to reshape its future.

Administrator

10 January, 2026

On the construction site of Nam Island in early 2026, the emergence of a new political and economic hub is taking shape at a pace that international media has likened to the “speed of light.” By the end of 2025, the APEC Convention & Exhibition Center and the Multipurpose Performance Hall, with a total investment of 21,860 billion VND, had reached 33% completion in just under six months of construction. According to Sun Group, the project is expected to be finalized by Q1/2027, well in advance of the APEC High-Level Week.

The APEC Convention Center project has achieved 33% progress in less than six months of construction.

This urgency isn’t solely for a diplomatic event. Speaking at the Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone – Taking Flight with APEC seminar, Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Director of the Institute for Tourism Development Research, emphasized that APEC is a “golden, unique opportunity” for Phu Quoc to soar on the global MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism map. These projects are pivotal in transforming the island from a raw resource-dependent destination into a world-class tourism, hospitality, and eco-friendly hub.

Green and Smart Transformation: From Net Zero Commitments to the LRT Network

The shift away from raw resource exploitation and ecological preservation isn’t coincidental. In this new era, “green” is a mandatory standard for Phu Quoc to join the league of global destinations. Mr. Tran Minh Khoa, Chairman of the Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone People’s Committee, affirmed that the zone has signed a “Green Transformation” commitment with international organizations, aiming for Net Zero with the Green Transformation Plan expected to complete in Q1/2026.

Leading experts discuss at the “Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone – Taking Flight with APEC” seminar.

To realize this commitment, Phu Quoc is implementing its “ace” in smart transportation: the Light Rapid Transit (LRT) system. With an investment of nearly 9,000 billion VND and a length of 18km connecting the airport to the APEC Convention Center, the LRT is the solution to reducing emissions. Fully electric, it cuts emissions by up to 99% compared to private vehicles and reduces travel time to just 20 minutes.

To welcome thousands of international delegates for APEC 2027, Phu Quoc is elevating its “smart” standards starting from its airport gateway. The expansion of Phu Quoc International Airport, invested by Sun Group for APEC, introduces the Total Airport Management (TAM) model and biometric systems for a “seamless, touchless” journey. With advanced screening technology from Smiths Detection and the modern ICS baggage handling system, check-in times are reduced to just 15-20 seconds per person. Automated parking and underground refueling not only optimize efficiency but also showcase a city powered by AI and big data.

Phu Quoc International Airport applies the TAM model and advanced technology, reducing check-in procedures to 15-20 seconds per person.

Recently, after Sun Group took over operations, Phu Quoc International Airport launched the ePass non-stop toll collection system, addressing local congestion, reducing travel time, and enhancing passenger convenience from airport access. This contributes to improved traffic management and urban civility.

Lessons from Singapore and the “Compact City” Vision

Alongside transportation infrastructure, in the “green – smart” development strategy, an island like Phu Quoc, with 60-70% of its area covered by primary forests, faces the challenge of balancing conservation and development. Dr. Nguyen Si Dung highlights Singapore’s approach: strict forest preservation combined with strategic land reclamation for modern infrastructure.

“25% of Singapore’s land is reclaimed. Without reclamation, Singapore’s size would be comparable to Phu Quoc. If Phu Quoc adopts Singapore-style reclamation, it could be equally impressive. However, it requires talent and a larger population. Singapore has nearly 6 million residents, while Phu Quoc has just over 200,000. To thrive, it must attract a concentrated population,” Dr. Nguyen Si Dung noted.

The 18km LRT line connects the airport to the APEC Convention Center and the southern island area, offering a solution to reduce emissions.

Alongside population attraction, the “compact city” model is key. Dr. Tran Du Lich suggests creating vast green spaces alongside high-rise, modern urban clusters to optimize land use. Here, the LRT serves as the “backbone,” connecting growth hubs, reducing road pressure, and preserving natural landscapes.

The Need for a Tailored “Blueprint” for Strategic Investors

Ambitious green and smart goals require exceptional institutional support. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Trung Luong stresses the need for a “sandbox” mechanism in Phu Quoc to foster innovation. Policies for strategic investors must be more substantive.

APEC 2027 is a historic catalyst for Phu Quoc’s breakthrough with highly innovative mechanisms.

APEC 2027 is a catalyst for Phu Quoc’s transformation, but its post-event legacy will define its future. By adhering to the green transportation roadmap through the LRT project, modernizing MICE infrastructure, and implementing special mechanisms, Phu Quoc is establishing itself as a sustainable economic zone. As Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Dinh Thien stated, “With an innovative mechanism, Phu Quoc will soar. This is the moment to truly elevate the Pearl Island.”

Kim Ngan

– 12:05 09/01/2026