National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man Urges Accelerated Support for Investors to Complete APEC 2027 Projects Before June 30, 2027

Phu Quoc Island is undergoing an unprecedented infrastructural transformation as it prepares to host the prestigious APEC High-Level Week in 2027. Amidst a grueling construction schedule, national leaders have conducted on-site inspections to evaluate project milestones, address bottlenecks, and ensure that all developments meet rigorous international standards well ahead of the global summit.

High-Level Delegation Inspects Key APEC Infrastructure

On the morning of October 25, a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation carried out a comprehensive inspection tour across the special economic zone of Phu Quoc Island. The inspection team was led by Politburo Member and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, accompanied by Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc, Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thanh Dien, leaders from various central ministries and line departments, and representatives from the People’s Committee of An Giang Province alongside key private sector stakeholders.

The delegation meticulously evaluated several flagship projects critical to the success of the APEC 2027 summit. The tour began at Terminal 2 of the Phu Quoc International Airport, extended along the DT.975 arterial highway and the Light Rail Transit (LRT) route, passed through the designated APEC Boulevard, and concluded at the state-of-the-art APEC Conference and Exhibition Center alongside the Multi-Purpose Performing Arts Theater. At each stop, the leadership team listened to progress reports from local authorities and the principal private investor, Sun Group, while also distributing gifts to encourage engineers and construction laborers working on-site.

Progress and Chronology of Key Infrastructure Projects

The transformation of Phu Quoc into an international hub requires a synchronized multi-modal transport and events infrastructure network. According to project reports presented during the inspection, significant milestones have already been achieved despite severe geographical and logistical challenges.

At the Phu Quoc International Airport, the second runway—stretching 3,300 meters in length—has been successfully completed and is currently preparing for commercial operations. Terminal 2, architecturally conceptualized around the imagery of a glowing sunset, has finalized the steel framework for its primary zone, with concrete structural elements for the main terminal building reaching 95 percent completion. Meanwhile, the VIP Terminal reserved for visiting heads of state is transitioning into its final finishing phase.

Connecting the airport to the rest of the island, the 17.59-kilometer LRT electric rail system has successfully installed nearly 10 kilometers of track, keeping it on track for structural completion and trial operations by June 2027. Running parallel to the rail line is the expanded DT.975 highway, featuring a 10-lane configuration, alongside APEC Boulevard. Both roadway projects have been targeted for completion by April 30, 2027.

At the culmination of the route, the APEC Conference and Exhibition Center has completed 98 percent of its structural framework. This facility, together with the adjacent Multi-Purpose Performing Arts Theater boasting 4,030 seats, is scheduled to enter its final interior and exterior finishing phases by March 2027.

Investor Challenges and Official Commitments

During the post-inspection briefing, Mr. Ho Van Mung, Chairman of the An Giang Provincial People’s Committee, reaffirmed the province’s unwavering commitment to meeting the overarching timeline of completing all APEC-related projects before June 30, 2027. However, local leadership transparently outlined several objective hurdles that have caused minor delays relative to initial contract timelines, particularly concerning the DT.975 highway.

Chairman Mung highlighted four primary challenges: "First, the initial contract schedules were set extremely tight, placing immense pressure on contractors. Second, site clearance operations proved difficult due to the complex historical origins of land titles on Phu Quoc. Third, an extended rainy season severely hampered logistics and construction execution. Fourth, the scope of several projects was significantly expanded mid-stream, such as upgrading the DT.975 highway from eight to ten lanes and supplementing it with dedicated collector roads."

Despite these obstacles, local authorities emphasized that legislative and policy frameworks enacted by the National Assembly and the Government have provided a solid legal corridor. These measures have streamlined procedures regarding spatial planning, architectural standards, capital investment, land acquisition, construction licensing, payment management, and project settlement. An Giang Province has pledged to intensify monitoring, conduct regular site visits, and implement decisive solutions to keep all projects on track.

Strategic Directive from National Assembly Leadership

Addressing the assembled officials, contractors, and project stakeholders, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man lauded the extraordinary dedication, resilience, and round-the-clock efforts demonstrated by the government, line ministries, An Giang provincial leadership, and Sun Group.

Chairman Man underscored that hosting the APEC summit carries profound political and economic significance, serving as a rare catalyst to showcase Vietnam’s island paradise to the international community. He instructed local authorities to actively support investors, accelerate infrastructural development, and step up comprehensive public communication campaigns regarding the APEC 2027 event.

"This is not merely about preparing for a conference lasting a few days; it is an opportunity to establish a lasting foundation of modern urban infrastructure, services, and management that holds long-term value," Chairman Man stated. He emphasized that following the conclusion of APEC, Phu Quoc must firmly position itself as a world-class international conference center.

Furthermore, the National Assembly Chairman issued specific directives regarding urban management and aesthetic standards, urging planners to study operational frameworks from renowned global models—such as Changi Airport in Singapore—to elevate aviation service quality. Regarding urban governance, he advised local leaders to reference Singapore’s holistic approach to master planning, environmental sustainability, intelligent transportation, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence integration, while cautioning against the mechanical replication of foreign templates without localized adaptation.

Strict Quality Control and the Imperative of Safety

Emphasizing the uncompromising nature of construction timelines, Chairman Man stressed that the June 30, 2027 deadline is absolute and non-negotiable. He mandated that adequate time must be preserved for comprehensive project commissioning, rigorous trial runs, and large-scale dress rehearsals, with distinct targets encouraging certain components to finish one to two months ahead of schedule.

Crucially, the Chairman warned that compressed timelines must never compromise safety, structural integrity, or technical quality. "Fast-track construction absolutely does not mean sloppy construction. Progress must be calculated by the minute and by the hour, rather than merely counted by the days," he asserted.

Broader Implications and Economic Legacy for Phu Quoc

The monumental investment in Phu Quoc’s infrastructure ahead of APEC 2027 is widely viewed by economic analysts as a transformative turning point for Vietnam’s tourism and investment landscape. Beyond the immediate logistical demands of hosting world leaders, the synchronized development of international-grade aviation facilities, advanced mass transit systems, expansive exhibition centers, and cultural landmarks aims to cement the island’s status as a premier global destination for high-end business tourism, leisure, and geopolitical dialogue.

Concluding his directive, Chairman Man expressed profound confidence in the nation’s political resolve: "With unwavering political determination, if these projects are successfully completed by November 2027 at the latest, Phu Quoc will truly transform into the ‘Pearl of the East,’ fully prepared to welcome APEC and significantly elevate Vietnam’s national standing on the global stage."