Thousands work through holiday to keep Phu Quoc APEC projects on track

As many as 15,500 engineers and construction workers continued working throughout the National Day holiday as major infrastructure projects for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in 2027 enter a critical phase in Phu Quoc.

On September 1, the management board overseeing APEC 2027 projects in Phu Quoc, An Giang Province, held a flag-raising ceremony at construction sites attended by thousands of engineers and workers.

Wearing work uniforms and safety helmets, participants gathered solemnly before the Vietnamese flag for the ceremony before returning to their respective sites and resuming construction activities.

A series of large-scale projects are currently being fast-tracked to prepare the island for hosting APEC 2027. These include the APEC Convention Centre, a multi-purpose theatre, Terminal 2 at Phu Quoc International Airport, a light rail transit (LRT) system and the Bai Dat Do hotel complex.

Project developers say construction has entered a peak period as authorities and investors race to meet strict deadlines ahead of the international summit.

Nguyen Tien Hop, executive director of the public-private partnership projects in Phu Quoc representing the investor, said six major APEC-related projects are simultaneously moving through their most intensive construction stage.

The projects are expected to transform Phu Quoc's transport, hospitality and conference infrastructure, strengthening the island's position as one of Vietnam's leading tourism and international event destinations.

Vietnam is scheduled to host the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in 2027, with Phu Quoc selected as the main venue for a number of key events. Authorities have identified the completion of supporting infrastructure as a top priority in preparations for the summit.