On the morning of January 28, at the Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone in An Giang Province, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the groundbreaking ceremony, inspected the progress of the works, addressed emerging difficulties and obstacles, and expressed confidence in the forces involved in the implementation, construction, and execution of several important projects aimed at ensuring the successful hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in 2027.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son, Chairman of the APEC 2027 National Committee, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung, as well as leaders of ministries, sectors, and local authorities. According to a report from An Giang Province, 21 projects assigned by the Prime Minister to An Giang for implementation in preparation for the APEC Conference have been divided into two groups.

Group 01 includes 10 public investment projects, consisting of one project with approved investor selection and nine projects with approved construction contractor selection. In the coming period, the province will focus on management, prioritizing the removal of bottlenecks related to procedures, land, materials, and construction organization for capital-intensive projects. This is aimed at accelerating implementation progress and disbursement, while ensuring quality, safety, and legal compliance in accordance with the requirements for hosting the APEC 2027 Conference.

Group 02 includes 11 investment projects implemented under public–private partnership (PPP) schemes and commercial investment methods. To date, investor selection for all 11 projects has been completed in accordance with the applicable regulations.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh inspects key projects on Phu Quoc Island serving APEC 2027 — Phu Quoc International Airport — Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

The total investment in the Phu Quoc International Airport project amounts to nearly VND 22,000 billion. Currently, key components are being implemented in a synchronized manner, with construction volumes rapidly increasing. The basic structure of Terminal T2 has been completed, while the VIP terminal has made significant construction progress and is nearing completion. Runway construction is being accelerated, with a total investment of approximately VND 2,370 billion. Key completion milestones include: the runway by June 30, 2026; the VIP terminal by September 30, 2026; and Terminal T2 (Phase 1) by December 30, 2026.

The total investment in the “APEC Boulevard” project is approximately VND 1,817 billion. To date, 56.4% of the planned 2025 allocation has been disbursed, and part of the land plots has already been handed over for construction. Provincial authorities are focusing on completing compensation procedures and transferring the remaining land plots in accordance with the schedule set for February 2026, thereby creating favorable conditions to accelerate the construction of the project’s main components.

During the inspection of the Phu Quoc International Airport project, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh instructed the province to promptly and effectively carry out land clearance work, taking into account long-term perspectives, based on legal principles and in the interests of the people. – Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

The APEC Convention Center construction project (including 57 hectares of land reclamation and embankment) and associated functional facilities— with an investment of approximately VND 21,860 billion for the convention center and VND 1,400 billion for the reclamation and embankment works—has completed the main investment preparation stages (policy approval, investor selection, and detailed planning). Construction has commenced, reaching an overall progress of approximately 33%, including 100% completion of access roads. In accordance with regulations and technical specifications, specialized procedures are being finalized to ensure overall project progress.

The Prime Minister visited the construction site and encouraged the workers. – Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

During the inspection of the Phu Quoc International Airport project, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh instructed the province to carry out land clearance work promptly and effectively, with a long-term vision, based on the principles of the rule of law and service to the people, ensuring that people’s new homes are better than or at least equal to their previous ones. Regarding construction materials, as this is a key project, the Prime Minister directed the application of special mechanisms and policies in accordance with Resolution No. 66.4/2025/NQ-CP, in the spirit of directly allocating quarries to investors and contractors, while preventing corruption and waste.

The Prime Minister strongly called for continued efforts to uphold the spirit of “discussing action only, not retreat,” “running in shifts,” “braving the sun, overcoming the rain, and not yielding to storms,” “working day and night, working during holidays,” “working even during festive periods,” and “quick meals and mandatory rest,” in order to accelerate construction progress and bring the airport into operation as soon as possible. Any difficulties or obstacles arising during the process should be reported immediately.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh presents gifts and encourages the team of officials, engineers, and workers at the construction site – Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

While presenting gifts and supporting staff, engineers, and workers at the construction site, the Prime Minister stated that participating in the construction of key projects serving both the APEC Conference and the strengthening of the country’s position is an honor for him. Regarding the Phu Quoc International Airport project, which is currently under construction and operation, the Prime Minister called on staff and workers to demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility, unity, and cohesion, to carry out their work in accordance with procedures and regulations, to be proactive and creative, and to strictly adhere to the project schedule to ensure its completion.

Deputy Prime Ministers Bui Thanh Son and Nguyen Chi Dung at the construction site – Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

“5 transformations”, “4 prohibitions” and “3 affirmations” in Phu Quoc

Earlier that morning, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Bai Dat Do multifunctional urban area and the Nui Ong Quan multifunctional eco-tourism urban area—two of the 21 APEC projects approved by the Government.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Bai Dat Do multifunctional urban area and the Nui Ong Quan multifunctional eco-tourism urban area—two of the 21 APEC-approved projects. Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

The two projects are expected to add around 12,000 hotel rooms, serviced apartments, as well as international-standard commercial centers and landscaped areas. In particular, the Bai Dat Do multifunctional urban complex covers an area of 88.4 hectares with a total investment of approximately VND 64,000 billion. It will be developed along APEC Boulevard and will feature towers of up to 40 floors on both sides, integrating luxury hotels, shopping centers, and a coastal plaza. The Nui Ong Quan multifunctional eco-tourism urban complex, with a total investment of approximately VND 5,550 billion and an area of over 21 hectares, is expected upon completion to provide around 5,200 serviced apartments.

The implementation of large-scale projects in Bai Dat Do and Nui Ong Quan is viewed as a proactive step toward establishing a reception, accommodation, and event organization hub that best meets the needs of APEC 2027. It will help address the shortage of accommodation on Phu Quoc and shape a new urban identity for the city’s hospitality and commercial sectors. This will lay the foundation for Phu Quoc not only to achieve its goal of becoming a modern, dynamic coastal city closely integrated with the region and the world, but also to serve as a driving force for the development of An Giang Province and the country as a whole.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh assessed the launch of the projects immediately after the highly successful 14th National Party Congress as an example of the principle: “choosing the right direction – fast implementation – careful execution – evaluation based on results.” – Photo: VGP/Нхат Бак

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh assessed the launch of these projects immediately after the highly successful 14th National Party Congress as an example of “choosing the right direction – fast implementation – careful execution – results-based evaluation,” with strong determination, great effort, decisive action, and thorough implementation of each task. He emphasized six clear responsibilities: clear people, clear tasks, clear deadlines, clear accountability, clear authority, and clear outcomes, with a people- and business-centered approach, where citizens and enterprises are the key actors in the development process.

The Prime Minister stated that hosting the APEC Summit in 2027 is a great honor for Vietnam, and in particular for the Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone and An Giang Province. – Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

The Prime Minister stated that hosting the APEC Summit in 2027 is a great honor for Vietnam, and in particular for the Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone and An Giang Province. Drawing on Vietnam’s experience in hosting two previous APEC Conferences (in 2006 and 2017), he noted that a key factor for the success of the event is strategic infrastructure. With approximately two years remaining until project completion, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that the infrastructure projects serving APEC will also contribute to the country’s overall development, particularly in An Giang Province and Phu Quoc, enhancing national capacity, position, and prestige.

The Politburo and key leaders, especially the General Secretary, have issued numerous directives to ensure the successful organization of the APEC Conference in terms of infrastructure, content, and overall arrangements. The Prime Minister emphasized that ministries, local authorities, and agencies—particularly the Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone and An Giang Province—must properly organize and implement their assigned tasks, fulfill their responsibilities to the highest standard, see the work through to completion, act effectively, and mobilize the support and participation of the people.

Delegates attending the groundbreaking ceremony – Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

The Prime Minister also called for the serious and effective implementation of the “5 transformations,” “4 refusals,” and “3 consensuses” for the Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone. The “5 transformations” include: greening; digitalization; optimizing unique potential, outstanding opportunities, and competitive advantages; improving the effectiveness of governance and state management; and harmonizing the interests of the State, the people, and businesses. The “4 refusals” include: not losing a single day, not delaying by a week, not missing opportunities by a month, and not remaining passive for a year. The “3 consensuses” include: contributions from the State, contributions from businesses, and contributions from the people.

The Prime Minister welcomed and urged An Giang Province and the Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone to continue implementing procedures in accordance with regulations in order to create favorable conditions for enterprises carrying out projects serving APEC. He also welcomed Sun Group’s participation in the implementation of large-scale projects and highly praised the responsible conduct of the contractors involved in the projects.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and delegates press the button, officially launching the construction. – Photo: VGP/Нхат Бак

The Prime Minister emphasized that the implementation of the projects must comply with six requirements: legal compliance, timely completion, quality assurance, technical and aesthetic standards, occupational safety, environmental protection, and optimized efficiency. Ministries and agencies are required to support local authorities, enterprises, and the public in implementing the projects, and to encourage the community to actively participate and provide maximum support for the execution of projects and tasks in the Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone of An Giang Province.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired a meeting with representatives of ministries, agencies, and local authorities to further address difficulties and obstacles in the implementation of projects supporting APEC. – Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

Source: Government Information / Ha Van