In his address at the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha emphasised that this is a major event of great significance, reaffirming Phu Quoc’s unique identity as a maritime island city of both national and international stature. Achieving first-grade city is not only a proud milestone for Phu Quoc and Kien Giang but also a shared joy for the people of Vietnam.
The deputy PM urged central ministries, Kien Giang authorities, and Phu Quoc leaders to focus on leveraging the city's coastal and island advantages while ensuring the preservation of primary forests and mangrove ecosystems in the coming years.
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Deputy PM Tran Hong Ha delivers remarks at the event. |
Deputy PM Tran Hong Ha urged Phu Quoc City’s authorities to develop a long-term strategy to tackle key challenges in clean water supply, energy, and environmental management, which are critical factors for a coastal island city. Phu Quoc must maximise its potential by strengthening its marine economy, including tourism, seaports, and marine farming, he added.
Tourism remains the city’s spearhead industry, with a focus on green and sustainable tourism. Phu Quoc must balance economic development with environmental conservation, ensuring responsible exploitation of natural resources while preserving its marine and island ecosystems, noted the deputy PM.
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Hon Thom cable car in Phu Quoc City. |
Phu Quoc has the honour of being selected as the host city for APEC 2027, welcoming world leaders, government officials, and top business executives. According to the deputy PM, this is a remarkable opportunity to showcase the beauty of Phu Quoc and Kien Giang to the international community.
He asked Phu Quoc to enhance its urban management efficiency and ensure that development aligns with the master planning. The city should also establish architectural management regulations to preserve and create iconic high-value structures that reflect its unique identity and character, he added.
Deputy PM Ha also instructed Kien Giang Province and Phu Quoc City to proactively and urgently implement climate adaptation measures, ensuring the preservation and protection of the island’s ecosystem.
Phu Quoc’s authorities are urged to research and propose breakthrough policies that are attractive and robust in areas such as free trade, financial centres, commerce, and logistics to enhance the city’s economic competitiveness.
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International cruise ship to Phu Quoc |
Tran Minh Khoa, Chairman of the Phu Quoc City People's Committee, stated that in recent years, Kien Giang Province in general and Phu Quoc City in particular have implemented flexible, adaptive and breakthrough measures to mobilise resources from various economic sectors, both domestic and international.
These efforts have driven infrastructure development and the creation of highly competitive tourism products, enhancing Phu Quoc’s position in the region and globally. As a result, the city has undergone a remarkable urban transformation.
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Chairman of the Phu Quoc City People's Committee Tran Minh Khoa speaks at the event. |
Phu Quoc welcomed nearly 6 million visitors in 2024, including over 962,000 international tourists. The city’s tourism revenue is estimated to exceed 21 trillion VND.
Currently, Phu Quoc has 321 active investment projects within designated planning zones, covering a land area of over 10,600 hectares, with total investment capital exceeding 435.5 trillion VND.
