HCMC – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired a meeting at the Government headquarters in Hanoi on Monday, bringing together standing government members, ministries, agencies, and Kien Giang Province to discuss preparations for hosting the 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting on Phu Quoc Island in 2027.
The Government news website (baochinhphu.vn) reported that participants assessed the current state of infrastructure and proposed tasks and solutions to ensure Phu Quoc is ready to host the high-profile event. Kien Giang leaders reported on initial preparations, requesting policy guidance while updating progress on waste treatment plants, wastewater facilities, clean water supply projects, and the expansion of Phu Quoc Airport. These initiatives align with directives issued by the prime minister during his working visit to Phu Quoc in March 2024.
In that earlier visit, PM Chinh had instructed urgent action on projects for waste and wastewater management, clean water provision, airport upgrade, urban redevelopment, and transportation networks. His vision is to transform Phu Quoc into a national and international tourism hub—a modern, civilized, smart, green, clean, safe, and livable city.
Delegates agreed that Phu Quoc and Kien Giang’s existing infrastructure largely meets the requirements for hosting APEC 2027, though additional investments in key projects are needed. In his concluding remarks, PM Chinh underscored the summit’s significance as both a political mission entrusted by the Party and State and an opportunity to promote Kien Giang and Phu Quoc globally.
Commending Kien Giang’s proactive efforts and the support of relevant agencies, the prime minister stressed the urgency of preparations, noting that just over two years remain until 2027. He assigned specific roles to Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung to oversee infrastructure and logistics; Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son to manage the summit’s agenda and content; and Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha to address land and forestry-related issues.
PM Chinh approved initial investment plans for specific projects, emphasizing adherence to existing regulations and planning frameworks. He cautioned against amending planning solely for APEC, directing Kien Giang to handle land clearance and site selection for proposed developments.
For funding, he mandated public investment for clean water infrastructure, such as reservoirs and water plants, while waste and wastewater treatment facilities should follow a public-private partnership (PPP) model, specifically build-operate-transfer (BOT). Airport upgrades for Phu Quoc and Rach Gia will also adopt the PPP model, with Kien Giang designated as the competent state authority to attract investors.
The Government endorsed constructing a convention center on Phu Quoc, with potential additions like a museum or exhibition hall, urging meticulous planning to ensure long-term efficiency and tourism value while avoiding waste. These projects will proceed under PPP frameworks, with strict oversight to prevent corruption and mismanagement. If necessary, new mechanisms or policies can be proposed, PM Chinh added.
Public investment will also fund transportation infrastructure linking the airport to event venues, with Kien Giang potentially acting as the project owner. Other developments will serve dual purposes: supporting the summit and fostering the broader growth of Kien Giang and Phu Quoc.
The Prime Minister instructed agencies to review relevant policies and mechanisms, empowering each level of authority to resolve issues within their jurisdiction. Matters exceeding their scope should be escalated to higher authorities for consideration and approval.
