Under the Standing Committee of the National Assembly's decision, Phu Quoc District will be officially turned into a city from March 1, next year with a population of more than 177,480 people.
Phu Quoc will become Vietnam's first island city.
The city will have two wards namely Duong Dong and An Thoi and the seven communes of Ham Ninh, Duong To, Ganh Dau, Bai Thom, Cua Duong, Cua Can and Tho Chau. It will cover more than 575 square kilometres in total.
Duong Dong Ward will replace Duong Dong Town, but its area and population unchanged. Meanwhile, An Thoi Ward is the merger of Hon Thom Commune and An Thoi Town.
Phu Quoc City will also have its own agencies such as the People’s Court and the Supreme People’s Court.
From March 1, 2021, Kien Giang Province will have three cities besides Ha Tien, Rach Gia and 12 districts.
Phu Quoc, the largest island in the country, is known for white-sand beaches and resorts, most of which are located along its palm-lined south-western coast.
More than half of the island is part of the Phu Quoc National Park, which has mountains, dense tropical jungle, hiking trails, and wildlife.
Apart from its natural beauty, Phu Quoc Island also attracts visitors with its luxury resorts, golf courses, an animal safari, and casinos.
Phu Quoc is close to most of Southeast Asia and part of international freight routes, and less than two hours by air from many capitals in the neighbourhood.
Earlier, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc resumed the 30-day visa exemption for foreigners visiting the island effective from July 1.
