The island city of Phu Quoc has been selected as the host destination for the 2027 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Week.
This marks the third time Vietnam will host the regional forum, following successful events in Hanoi in 2006 and Danang in 2017.
In anticipation of this international event, Kien Giang Province, where Phu Quoc is located, has launched an accelerated investment drive in infrastructure. Key projects include substantial upgrades and expansion of Phu Quoc International Airport, the An Thoi International Port, and the development of an APEC Multifunctional Complex.
The Phu Quoc International Airport will be expanded to a total area of 1,073 hectares. This will involve extending the existing runway to 3.5km and constructing a second 3.3km runway. A brand-new T2 international terminal will be developed, boosting passenger capacity to 20 million annually. The expansion will also include a dedicated VIP terminal, an apron capable of handling up to 70 aircraft, hangars, and modern cargo warehouses.
Beyond air travel, upgrades are also planned for the An Thoi International Port. The port will be expanded to a 100-hectare scale, enabling it to accommodate the world’s largest cruise ships, including vessels like the Icon of the Seas, which can carry between 7,000 and 10,000 passengers.
To facilitate efficient transportation between Phu Quoc International Airport and the central APEC Summit Convention Centre within the APEC Multifunctional Complex, the city will undertake the expansion of Provincial Road 975 and develop a new urban rail line. Meanwhile, the APEC Avenue project will serve as an east-west connector, linking existing provincial highways to the APEC Multifunctional Complex.
The government has also invested in reservoirs, advanced water treatment plants, the renovation of the Duong Dong River, and the construction of modern wastewater treatment and waste management facilities.
The centrepiece of the hosting infrastructure will be the state-of-the-art APEC Multifunctional Complex, designed to accommodate nearly 15,000 people. The complex will feature a 10,000m2 conference and exhibition centre with a seating capacity ranging from 3,000 to 3,500. It will also house a multifunctional auditorium, the APEC Square, and a dedicated international press centre capable of accommodating 3,000 to 4,000 journalists.
The complex will also include a high-rise mixed-use area featuring hotels, a duty-free shopping centre, and a multifunctional cultural and arts hub with a seating capacity of 3,000 to 3,500, equipped with cutting-edge facilities for hosting performances and global entertainment. The complex will also feature a large dining area capable of serving 3,000 to 4,000 guests simultaneously.
