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 "6 clear" motto to keep all items on track: 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 that have found investors include: Phu Quoc International Airport Expansion with a budget of 22,000 billion VND; Bai Dat Do Urban Area with 64,000 billion VND; Ong Quan Mountain Eco- tourism Area with 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 21,860 billion VND; upgrading the An Thoi international port with a scale of 100 hectares, enough to accommodate the world's largest cruise ships; traffic system, square, museum, children's house, wastewater and waste treatment, regulating lake, resettlement area, smart operation center.

The vision is expanded through strategic projects not included in the APEC list. The 44km long eastern coastal route, with a capital of 14,100 billion VND, will open the way for new urban and tourism development. The 2.7km long An Thoi port connection route, with a capital of 2,650 billion VND, 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 has the meaning of 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 equally with Phuket, Bali, and Maldives.

The road ahead is not without challenges. The workload is large, the progress is urgent, and international standards are strict. Whether or not we can overcome it depends on discipline, responsibility, and the ability to combine creativity with service spirit. Every Phu Quoc resident today is the image of the pearl island, from the way they treat 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 event. International friends are looking forward to it. Phu Quoc people are looking forward to it. The whole of 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 reach the open sea but will also stand firm in the open 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 before the ocean, quietly and proudly, as a witness to the historic moment. From here, the country's aspiration for integration and will to rise has 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