Phu Quoc Advances Special Economic Zone Plans and Marine Economy Development

An Giang province is seeking to transform Phu Quoc from a resort destination into a diversified marine economy center and plans to establish a special economic zone. A resolution issued on August 22, 2026, identifies Phu Quoc as an emerging growth center and calls for the development of internationally competitive upscale beach tourism. The special economic zone remains in the planning and application stages.

Lê Trung Hồ, vice chairman of the An Giang Provincial People’s Committee, said Phu Quoc attracted approximately VND 114.828 trillion in total social investment from 2021 to 2025, while retail sales of goods and service revenue reached about VND 198.512 trillion. In the first 10 months of 2026, the island received more than 9.2 million visitors, up 30.4% year on year. International visitors accounted for more than 2.1 million, up 59.4%.

Visitors swim at a beach in southern Phu Quoc, An Giang province.（VietVance）

Trần Minh Khoa, chairman of the Phu Quoc Special Zone People’s Committee, said the locality is advancing 21 key projects for the 2027 APEC summit, covering aviation facilities, an international convention center, urban transport connections and upscale service facilities. The projects are also intended to support tourism, events and commerce after the summit. Phu Quoc plans to expand its convention and exhibition, healthcare, education, trade, logistics and digital services, and is studying the establishment of a free trade zone and a non-tariff zone if legal requirements are met.

A view of the Phu Quoc Special Zone.（VietVance）

Under An Giang’s plan, the province will complete the special economic zone application, advance approvals and carry out key projects in 2026–2027. From 2028 to 2030, it will focus on expanding international services and improving waste treatment, water supply, healthcare, education and housing for workers. Phu Quoc aims to mobilize more than VND 195 trillion in total social investment from 2026 to 2030. By 2030, it targets gross regional domestic product of more than VND 66.29 trillion and approximately 15 million visitors annually. Achieving these goals will depend on project delivery, institutional arrangements and protection of the ecological environment.

Source: VietVance