Full-scale investment push for Phú Quốc ahead of APEC 2027

Phú Quốc is entering an unprecedented phase of investment ahead of APEC 2027, with 21 key projects and a total investment described as reaching “hundreds of trillions of dong.” The island is preparing to host the summit, while the scale of construction signals a broader push for strategic, nationwide investment.

APEC 2027 investment momentum

During visits to APEC-related projects in late 2025, Prof. Tran Đình Thiên said the atmosphere at Phú Quốc’s major construction sites felt “excited,” comparing it to Dubai’s building boom from 12–13 years earlier, when cranes were ubiquitous. He linked the momentum to Dubai’s rise as a global hub and said Vietnam’s current construction phase reflects the country’s capacity to advance rapidly while also delivering projects that are “aesthetically pleasing,” “civilized,” and aligned with preserving cultural identity.

Airport expansion and transport upgrades

From Phú Quốc’s gateway, the international airport is under construction with a phoenix-flame emblem. Ahead of APEC, the airport is planned to be upgraded to handle 24 million passengers per year, described as six times its current capacity.

The airport is designed to incorporate advanced technologies, including a Total Airport Management (TAM) governance model, biometric passenger flow for a touchless journey, advanced baggage handling (ICS), automated apron operations, underground fueling, and modern crosstie systems. Major Changi Airports International was invited by Sun Group to co-create an airport at a “Changi-level” standard in Vietnam.

The airport is also intended to function as part of a wider transport ecosystem. From the airport, the 10-lane arterial DT 975 is planned to connect toward a convention cluster, with space reserved for a pioneering LRT rail system in Vietnam. The corridor is designed to lead directly to the “heart of APEC,” where leaders of 21 economies will stay.

Conference and cultural venues

The Conference Center is being developed as a multi-functional complex, including an 11,050 m² ballroom described as among the largest in the world. The venue’s lobbies, meeting rooms, and VIP areas are designed to accommodate the seven-day APEC events. It also includes performance and experiential spaces, such as a 2,000-seat dinner show, described as rare among traditional conference venues.

Complementing the conference facilities is a 4,030-seat multi-purpose theater. It is conceived as a cultural symbol through architectural storytelling, with the narrative of the Dragon and the Golden Child conveyed in space. The theater is set to use state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment, positioning it for future international events including concerts and film festivals. The article describes the venue as a “national stage” for Vietnamese culture presented in a modern format for global audiences.

Hospitality capacity for APEC

Hotel infrastructure is also expanding. Under the plan, around 6,500 high-end rooms across 13 leading hotel brands—named as Marriott, Accor, and Lotte among others—are expected to be established to increase capacity and provide a service hub for APEC.

Private sector participation and delivery capacity

The article describes APEC 2027 as a state-led effort supported by systemic collaboration, with private sector participation considered essential. It notes that dozens of Sun Group projects are intended to help form the APEC ecosystem in Phú Quốc, spanning transport and hospitality as well as major complexes such as the convention center and theater, alongside large-scale accommodation.

Sun Group is cited as having experience delivering premier destinations and the ability to meet ambitious timelines, with the stated aim of raising the overall standard of the visitor experience to international levels.

Workforce and broader impact

Behind the projects, the article emphasizes the role of thousands of Vietnamese engineers and workers working in three shifts, driven by a “work day and night” approach to accelerate progress. It frames the construction effort as more than economic activity, describing it as a national image and a form of collective effort involving both government and the private sector.

Overall, the article portrays APEC 2027 as a milestone for Vietnam’s ability to mobilize resources, strengthen its regional and global position, and deliver large-scale infrastructure and services for the summit.