An Giang (VNA) – Phu Quoc special zone, part of the Mekong Delta province of An Giang, is racing against time to complete critical projects serving the 2027 APEC Economic Leaders’ Week – a key diplomatic event for Vietnam and also a transformative opportunity for the “Pearl Island”.

Phu Quoc has become a massive construction site, with 21 projects serving APEC 2027 assigned by the Government, totalling an investment of 137.13 trillion VND (5.25 billion USD). Sun Group has been selected as the investor for three out of 11 public-private partnership (PPP) and business investment projects.

Among the most critical is the expansion of Phu Quoc International Airport, with 22 trillion VND invested and a planned area of 1,050 hectares. The expansion includes a runway extension to 3,500m, construction of a second runway, a new terminal, a VIP terminal, and additional aircraft aprons. As of now, 166 out of 348.1 hectares for construction have been handed over, over 10% of Terminal T2’s foundation completed, and the VIP terminal 30% done.

Another flagship development is the APEC Convention Centre, covering 28 hectares with a 21.86 trillion VND investment. It will include a 3,500-seat conference hall, a 3,000-seat media centre, and infrastructure for transport, technical systems, public squares, and exhibition spaces. Site preparation is 94% complete, and test piling has been finished.

Two mixed-use urban areas – Bai Dat Do, having an area of 88.5 hectares and investment of 64 trillion VND, and Nui Ong Quan, covering 22 hectares with an investment of 5.55 trillion VND – are currently in the legal and investment preparation phase.

Sun Group is also responsible for major projects like the APEC Boulevard, an urban metro line, and the DT.975 provincial road.

Hosting APEC 2027 is a golden opportunity to raise Phu Quoc and An Giang’s international profile, said Bui Thanh Trung, Chairman of Sun Group’s Southern Region.

Trung said that the firm is working closely with local and central authorities to ensure that all projects meet schedule, quality, and national objectives.

Phu Quoc is also preparing numerous other developments, including Cua Can and Duong Dong 2 water reservoirs; the undergrounding of utilities in An Thoi and Duong Dong; waste treatment and waste-to-energy plants; smart centralised operations centre; and resettlement areas with 13,479 residential plots.

An estimated 5.78 trillion VND is being invested in four resettlement areas – Cua Can, Suoi Lon, An Thoi, and Ham Ninh – to support APEC-related and broader development.

Despite early progress, challenges remain. Chairman of the An Giang People’s Committee Ho Van Mung noted that only three of the 21 APEC-related projects have had investors selected. The goal is to complete projects three to six months ahead of schedule.

To accelerate progress, An Giang is implementing 15 tasks assigned by the Prime Minister, 12 of which are already complete. An “emergency directive” has been issued for nine of 10 public investment projects, and special procedures will be used for selecting investors where necessary.

Mung highlighted key deadlines, including completion of all sub-zoning plans for Phu Quoc in July 2025. All projects should break ground by the end of August 2025 and be finished on time, while investor selection for the remaining projects must be finalised by the end of July.

Agencies are required to develop detailed project timelines, with the Department of Science and Technology tasked with implementing a digital project management system that includes a "red alert" for delays. The Department of Finance has been directed to strengthen the steering committee, with a deputy director of each department assigned to focus 90% of their time on project delivery.

The official emphasised the need for strict legal compliance, particularly in investment procedures, contractor selection, and emergency directives. Investors and contractors must have strong financial backing, expertise, and the necessary resources to avoid delays. Project managers will submit weekly or daily progress reports, covering construction, disbursement, and material supply.

An Giang is also prioritising site clearance with the political system's active engagement to protect residents' rights and minimise disputes.

With all-out efforts being exerted, Phu Quoc is committed to overcoming challenges and ensuring a succes🔯sful APEC 2027, contributing to Vietnam’s international stature./.