Groundbreaking 700 Trillion VND Projects in Vietnam’s Largest Special Economic Zone: What Did the Prime Minister Just Mandate?

This morning (January 28), the People’s Committee of Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone (Kien Giang Province) collaborated with Sun Group to break ground on the Bai Dat Do Mixed-Use Urban Area and the Nui Ong Quan Eco-Tourism Urban Area. These are two of the 21 infrastructure projects serving the 2027 APEC High-Level Week.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the groundbreaking ceremony for these two projects. Accompanying the Prime Minister were Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son, Chairman of the National APEC 2027 Committee, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung, and leaders from various ministries and localities.

These projects are expected to add approximately 12,000 hotel rooms, serviced apartments, and international-standard commercial centers. The Bai Dat Do Mixed-Use Urban Area spans 88.4 hectares with a total investment of approximately VND 64 trillion. It will be developed along the APEC Avenue, featuring towers up to 40 stories high, integrating luxury hotels, shopping malls, and a seaside plaza.

The Nui Ong Quan Eco-Tourism Urban Area covers over 21 hectares with a total investment of approximately VND 5.55 trillion. Upon completion, the project is expected to provide around 5,200 serviced apartments.

Together, these two projects have a total investment of up to VND 69.55 trillion.

In reality, the implementation of these large-scale projects in Bai Dat Do and Nui Ong Quan is seen as a proactive step to establish a central hub for reception, accommodation, and event organization, ensuring the best service for APEC 2027. These projects will help address the shortage of accommodation facilities in Phu Quoc and create a new urban landscape for hotels and commerce.

Furthermore, these projects will lay the foundation for Phu Quoc to become a modern, dynamic coastal city deeply integrated with the region and the world, while also driving the development of Kien Giang Province and the entire country.

“No Wasting a Single Day,” Prime Minister Urges

Speaking at the ceremony, the Prime Minister emphasized that hosting the 2027 APEC Year is a great honor for Vietnam, particularly for Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone and Kien Giang Province.

Drawing from Vietnam’s experience in organizing two previous APEC Summits (in 2006 and 2017), a key pillar of success is strategic infrastructure. With nearly two years remaining to implement these projects, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that the APEC infrastructure projects will contribute to the development of the country, especially Kien Giang Province and Phu Quoc, enhancing the nation’s potential, position, and prestige.

Notably, the Prime Minister called for the strict and effective implementation of “5izations,” “4nos,” and “3haves” in Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone. The “5izations” include: Greening; digitalization; optimization of unique potential, outstanding opportunities, and competitive advantages; smart management and governance; and harmonization of interests among the State, people, and businesses. The “4nos” are: No wasting a single day, no delays in a week, no missing opportunities in a month, and no passivity in a year. The “3haves” include: Contributions from the State, businesses, and the people.

The Prime Minister commended and urged Kien Giang Province, especially Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone, to continue implementing procedures to facilitate businesses in executing APEC projects. He also praised Sun Group for undertaking these major projects and the contractors for their high sense of responsibility.

Additionally, the Prime Minister stressed that project implementation must meet six requirements: Compliance with the law, adherence to schedules, quality assurance, technical and aesthetic standards, occupational safety, environmental hygiene, and optimization of efficiency. Ministries and agencies must also support localities, businesses, and residents in project implementation and encourage the public to actively participate in and support these initiatives in Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone and Kien Giang Province.

21 Projects for APEC 2027

On the same day, the Prime Minister visited and inspected the progress of several key projects serving the 2027 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum, addressing challenges and encouraging all involved parties.

According to the Kien Giang Provincial People’s Committee, the 21 APEC 2027 projects are divided into two groups. The first group includes 10 public investment projects, with one project having selected an investor and nine having chosen contractors. The second group comprises 11 PPP and business investment projects, all of which have completed investor selection.

Inspecting the Phu Quoc International Airport project (one of the 21 APEC 2027 projects), the Prime Minister directed the province to expedite land clearance with a long-term vision, ensuring compliance with the law and prioritizing the interests of residents. New residences for displaced residents must be equal to or better than their previous homes.

Regarding construction materials, as this is a critical project, the Prime Minister instructed the application of special mechanisms and policies under Resolution No. 66.4/2025/NQ-CP, directly allocating mines to investors and contractors to prevent negativity and waste.

The Prime Minister called for a spirit of “only moving forward, never retreating”; “running while lining up”; “beating the sun, overcoming rain, and not losing to storms”; “working day and night, including holidays”; and “eating and sleeping urgently” to accelerate construction progress and bring the airport into operation as soon as possible. Any difficulties or obstacles should be reported immediately.