On the afternoon of March 14, the People's Committee of Kien Giang province held a ceremony to announce Decision No. 199/QD-TTg dated January 21, 2025 of the Prime Minister on recognizing Phu Quoc City as a Class I urban area under Kien Giang province.
Speaking at the ceremony, Party Central Committee member and Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha affirmed: Today's event is not only the pride of Phu Quoc and Kien Giang but also the common joy of the whole country when we witness a coastal urban area and island that is rising strongly, affirming its important position and great potential on the tourism development map of Vietnam and the world.
The Deputy Prime Minister also suggested that Phu Quoc must harmonize and balance development and environmental protection so that there are forests in urban areas, and urban development in our forests. It is necessary to focus on developing a green, smart, synchronous, modern urban infrastructure system, especially digital infrastructure and green energy, smart transportation, smart water supply and drainage, developing a waste collection and recycling system in a circular economy.
"Phu Quoc has been honored to be chosen as the venue for the 2027 APEC Conference, this is a special opportunity, a source of pride for Vietnam, also demonstrating Phu Quoc's position. Therefore, we hope that there will be proposals and initiatives to continue to create motivation for synchronous infrastructure development, with the right thinking and vision. Through each tourism activity to promote a beautiful and potential Phu Quoc. In addition, it is necessary to exploit the advantages to become a logistics center for seaports and international trade gateways. We must seize this opportunity to turn Phu Quoc into one of the logistics trade centers of Southeast Asia," the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.
In addition, Phu Quoc needs to proactively and urgently deploy solutions to adapt to climate change, preserve and maintain the island's ecosystem, in which it is necessary to consider forest protection and water surface protection on the island as protecting the core values and life of Phu Quoc City. It is necessary to study and propose to competent authorities to consider issuing breakthrough mechanisms and policies that are strong enough and attractive for Phu Quoc.
According to the leader of Kien Giang Provincial People's Committee, Phu Quoc is a very special urban area, the first and only island city in Vietnam. From an island district, without going through the town government, it is classified as a type II urban area and established Phu Quoc City. For the first time in history, Vietnam has an offshore island that has been upgraded to a city-level administrative unit with full legal basis, appearance, stature and status as a large urban area of Vietnam. With its central position in Southeast Asia, in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc plays an important role in ensuring national security and defense, especially in the issue of territorial sovereignty and national borders, contributing to creating and promoting friendly cooperation between neighboring countries, international legal order, peace and stability in the region.
The city has mobilized capital to build urban infrastructure and rural infrastructure. Many items of the project have been completed and put into use, creating an increasingly enhanced urban appearance.
Mr. Tran Minh Khoa - Chairman of Phu Quoc City People's Committee - said: Phu Quoc becoming a type I urban area is also considered a motivation for investors to commit to continue to contribute to creating high-class projects, making the pearl island a world-class destination. The city currently has 311 projects, with a total investment of up to VND 428,000 billion, including highly competitive entertainment and resort complexes in the area. However, Phu Quoc's vision is further, with a plan to upgrade international ports and airports to expand the ability to receive international ships, commercial flights and specialized aircraft. At the same time, strategic routes are also on the roadmap, ensuring convenient connections from the airport to key areas and outstanding tourist areas of the island.
