In 2027, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum will return to Vietnam after two memorable milestones in Hanoi in 2006 and Da Nang in 2017. This time, Phu Quoc - Vietnam's Pearl Island, has been chosen as the host location for APEC 2027 .
This decision not only creates a distinctive highlight for APEC 2027, but also elevates the significance of the event by connecting diplomacy and economy with a unique island and sea space. Beyond the framework of an economic cooperation forum, APEC 2027 is expected to become an important opportunity for Vietnam to reposition its image on the international map, demonstrating its proactive, dynamic role and increasingly deep integration in the region.
> > > See more: Phu Quoc makes strong strides towards APEC 2027
Phu Quoc is chosen as the host location for APEC 2027.
The Transformation of Phu Quoc
If APEC 2006 took place in Hanoi and APEC 2017 was held in Da Nang - large cities with synchronized and complete conference, transportation, and service infrastructure, APEC 2027 is instead placed entirely on an island once honored as the most beautiful in Asia and top-tier in the world.
To prepare for this event, An Giang province has simultaneously implemented 21 projects to serve APEC 2027. Phu Quoc is known as a 'resort paradise', what is happening on Pearl Island is far exceeding that familiar imagination. Pearl Island is entering an unprecedented acceleration phase, with a series of key projects rapidly heading towards completion.
Overall perspective of the APEC Convention Center being built by Sun Group.
Recently, the ASEAN Urbanist page with nearly half a million followers has expressed admiration for the lightning construction speed of the project cluster that Sun Group is implementing for APEC. In reality, it is rare for any project cluster in Vietnam or the region to achieve a similar speed.
First to mention is Phu Quoc International Airport. Although construction started in July 2025, currently, this project has completed 85% of the rough structure of Terminal T2, 100% of the rough structure and steel of the VIP terminal, while runway number 2 has reached about 30% of its volume. Each month, the construction site drives up to 700 large piles, and in just four months, the entire terminal structure has risen to the 4th floor. The project is expected to be completed in 18 months - a speed considered a record in the aviation industry, much faster than large airports like Changi, which took up to 6 years from groundbreaking to operation.
Terminal T2 of Phu Quoc International Airport will be designed inspired by the image of the Phoenix bird.
It is known that the airport after expansion has a total investment of nearly 22,000 billion VND, an area of 1,050 hectares, meets ICAO's 4E standard, can accommodate wide-body aircraft, and increase capacity to 20 million passengers per year, 4.5 times the current capacity. Particularly, Changi Airport Group will consult on operations, helping the airport adopt a series of leading technologies such as contactless biometrics, modern baggage handling, and apron automation, aiming for regional smart airport standards.
Not only the airport, the APEC Convention and Exhibition Center and the Multipurpose Theater – two iconic structures with a total investment of over 21,860 billion VND are also being implemented at an astonishing speed. In less than six months, two main items have reached 33% of the total construction volume. The convention center's ballroom spans an 81m column-free span, with an area of 11,050 m², recognized as the largest in the world. The Multipurpose Theater has completed 95% of its foundation and 20.5% of its structural work, with interior completion expected in January 2027.
APEC Convention Center and multi-purpose theater are being rapidly constructed.
Besides, many transport infrastructure projects are also being prepared for implementation, including the DT.975 road, 19.26 km long, 10 lanes, with a total capital of 1,632 billion VND, and an 18 km urban electric train line connecting the airport to the APEC Convention Center with six modern stations.
Notably, the LRT light rail project, invested by Sun Group Corporation in BOT form, has a total investment of nearly 9,000 billion VND. The train line connects Phu Quoc International Airport to the APEC Convention Center. The projected transport capacity is over 4,500 passengers/hour, opening up a smart, green, and sustainable public transport system for the first time in Phu Quoc.
Important transportation projects are being implemented simultaneously, helping Phu Quoc complete its infrastructure.
Thanks to this, Phu Quoc is no longer just a resort destination, but is gradually transforming into a “MICE tourism center” for Vietnam and the region, with complete infrastructure, services, and international-standard event spaces. The acceleration of projects serving APEC not only upgrades the appearance of the “Pearl Island” but also creates new capabilities for Phu Quoc to be ready to host world-class diplomatic and economic events.
> > > See more: How many key projects are serving APEC?
APEC 2027 takes place in a new context, bringing new expectations
APEC 2006 was associated with Vietnam signing up to join the WTO, while APEC 2017 took place when Vietnam's economy was a bright spot in the region. By 2027, the global context has changed profoundly. Supply chains are being reshaped, technological competition is increasing, and new industries such as AI, the digital economy, and clean energy are becoming top priorities. In this shift, Vietnam is emerging as a strategic destination, especially in high-tech manufacturing, semiconductors, and digital services.
In that context, APEC 2027 is a forum for Vietnam to demonstrate its new role in the region. Vietnam is actively participating in the green transition movement, developing digital infrastructure, and attracting high-tech FDI. This event creates an opportunity for Vietnam to expand cooperation in high value-added sectors such as semiconductors, renewable energy, circular economy, and innovation.
APEC 2027 takes place in a new context, bringing new expectations.
Another special point is that 2027 marks 10 years since Vietnam hosted APEC in Da Nang. A decade's time allows for an assessment of the economy's achievements during a period of deep integration. APEC 2027 is therefore a summation, while also opening a new phase as Vietnam aims to become a high-income country by 2045.
APEC 2027 is more special than previous APEC events in Vietnam due to the combination of three factors. The event is not only a diplomatic milestone but also a development boost for Phu Quoc and for the Vietnamese economy during a period of strong transformation.
