APEC wind lifts the pearl island

An Thoi Town (Phu Quoc) seen from above. Photo: Hong Dat/VNA

Since the beginning of 2025, the pace of life on Phu Quoc Island has changed. Construction sites connect with construction sites, the sound of machinery never stops. The government, ministries, branches and An Giang province have agreed on the motto "6 clear" so that all items go in the right direction: clear people, clear work, clear time, clear products, clear responsibilities, clear authority. Progress reports are maintained monthly, and interdisciplinary inspection teams are present periodically to remove difficulties right at the construction site. The spirit of urgency has become a daily working habit.

The list of 21 key projects with a total capital of over 137,138 billion VND is the backbone of infrastructure serving APEC and for the long term. 3 public-private partnership projects have found investors including: Phu Quoc International Airport Expansion with a capital of 22,000 billion VND; Bai Dat Do urban area with a capital of 64,000 billion VND; Ong Quan Mountain eco- tourism area with a capital of 5,550 billion VND.

At the same time, other key projects are being implemented such as the APEC Conference Center with an area of 28 hectares and a capital of VND 21,860 billion; upgrading the An Thoi international port with a scale of 100 hectares, capable of receiving the world's largest cruise ships; traffic systems, squares, museums, children's houses, wastewater and waste treatment, regulating lakes, resettlement areas, and smart operating centers.

The vision is expanded through strategic projects not included in the APEC list. The 44km eastern coastal route, with a capital of VND14,100 billion, will open the way for new urban and tourism development. The 2.7km An Thoi port connection route, with a capital of VND2,650 billion, will increase maritime transport capacity and connect the southern part of the island. Environmental and social infrastructure projects are being implemented synchronously, creating the foundation for a modern, long-term adaptive coastal city.

The large investment figure shows the scale, but the real value lies in the organization and implementation. The provincial leaders are determined in their goals, the management apparatus closely follows the progress, businesses dare to invest, and the people support and are ready to participate. That combined strength is what ensures that opportunities become achievements. APEC 2027 therefore means creating a new look for Phu Quoc - modern, integrated and courageous.

When APEC 2027 ends, the remaining infrastructure will continue to serve socio-economic development. The expanded airport, upgraded seaport, and smooth traffic will bring Phu Quoc into the group of leading international destinations. The impression of a dynamic Vietnam, a green, clean, and hospitable Phu Quoc will follow the footsteps of APEC delegations returning from all over the world. That is a valuable asset to expand the tourism market, attract investment, and gradually compete on equal terms with Phuket, Bali, and Maldives.

The road ahead is not without challenges. The workload is large, the progress is urgent, the international standards are strict. Whether or not we can overcome it depends on discipline, responsibility and the ability to combine creativity with the spirit of service. Every Phu Quoc resident today is the image of the pearl island, from the way they behave with tourists to the awareness of preserving the blue sea and white sand. When the Party's will meets the people's will, when the common interest is put first, there will be no obstacle that cannot be overcome.

APEC 2027 is a big appointment. International friends are looking forward to it. Phu Quoc people are looking forward to it. The whole An Giang province in the new period is looking forward to it. This opportunity is like a strong wave taking the boat out to sea. If we know how to hold the oars and steer the right direction, Phu Quoc will not only go out to sea but will also stand firm in the middle of the sea.

And when the sunset falls, the golden color spreads across the APEC afternoon beach, the pearl island of Phu Quoc will stand there firmly in front of the ocean, quietly and proudly, as a witness to the historic moment. From here, the country's aspiration for integration and will to rise have reached a new vision, opening a new era of rich and modern development.

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/ngon-gio-apec-nang-canh-dao-ngoc-a426095.html