Vietnam’s Phu Quoc on track to become green APEC hub

Selected as a venue to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in 2027, Phu Quoc City in Kien Giang Province, southern Vietnam stands at a critical crossroads to transform into a model of sustainability - a ‘green island, smart city, zero-emissions urban hub.’

This pivotal opportunity is poised to not just introduce Phu Quoc’s image to the global arena, but also push the city to pursue sustainable development.
Leading green transition

In a recent working session with local authorities in Kien Giang Province, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung emphasized the urgency of advancing key infrastructure projects in service of APEC 2027.

He tasked Phu Quoc with taking the lead in both green and digital transformation before 2030.

According to Nguyen Van Hon, deputy director of the Kien Giang Department of Construction, a key goal is the complete phase-out of fossil-fuel vehicles on the island, replacing them with electric vehicles (EVs) and other eco-friendly alternatives.

Its long-term ambition is to make Phu Quoc one of the world’s best places to live in.

To achieve this, the province is finalizing a green transformation roadmap, including a partnership with Vingroup to roll out EV infrastructure.

The initial plan includes installing 20 EV charging stations in residential and public areas across Phu Quoc City.

The city is stepping up efforts to strengthen its green transport ecosystem.

Key tourist destinations such as Grand World, Safari, VinWonders, and Sunset Town have integrated electric buses and vehicles into their transport systems.

These efforts lay the groundwork for a larger-scale adoption of clean transportation across the island.

Phu Quoc’s green strategy goes beyond transportation.

Local authorities are also focusing on managing land, water, and forest resources with a clear stance: economic growth should not come at the cost of environmental degradation.

The provincial administration has held a strategic working session with Vingroup to advance the city’s green vision.

Vingroup announced that as of May 2025, the province had over 2,000 EVs, including 408 Xanh SM electric taxis and 51 VinBus electric buses operating across four routes in Phu Quoc City.

Notably, Phu Quoc has become the first place in Vietnam where 100 percent of public buses are electric.

With 27 of the province’s 66 EV charging stations located on the island, Phu Quoc is setting a national benchmark.

Le Thi Thu Thuy, vice-chairwoman of Vingroup, highlighted the island’s strategic advantages, including natural beauty, location, and clear development direction, and reaffirmed the group’s commitment to supporting Phu Quoc’s green transformation.

This includes converting private and commercial vehicles to electric, scaling up charging infrastructure, and integrating renewable energy such as solar and wind into public facilities.

Supporting residents in green shift

The comprehensive green transition plan for Kien Giang is built on five pillars: green transportation, green energy, green infrastructure, green tourism, and smart urban governance.

Among these, green transportation is viewed as the catalyst for wider change.

As such, the province, in partnership with several firms such as Vingroup, set up a green transition fund of VND1,000 billion (US$38.4 million) to subsidize the cost of EVs for residents, helping them move away from gasoline-powered vehicles.

Dinh Thi Thanh Thuy, a resident of Duong Dong Ward in Phu Quoc City, said she welcomes the shift to EVs, but emphasized the need for practical support, including accessible charging stations and maintenance services.

Nguyen Van Quynh, a local taxi driver who switched to electric vehicles in 2023, described the transition as convenient and economical.

Tourists enjoy the quiet ride and clean experience, he said.

To ensure a smooth transition, local officials are actively coordinating with Vingroup and other partners to expand the charging station network, establish parking and maintenance facilities, and align transportation services with the upcoming APEC 2027 summit.
Laying foundation for sustainable development

Tran Minh Khoa, chairman of the Phu Quoc People’s Committee, said the island’s booming eco-tourism and marine tourism sectors make sustainable development both necessary and viable.

With a population of over 130,000 and an area of nearly 600 square kilometers, Phu Quoc has the scale and motivation to become a leading example of green urban development.

He stressed that changing mindsets among residents and businesses is crucial to make environmental protection and green transport more effective.

Besides, it is vital to offer supportive policies and develop infrastructure, especially for EV use in tourism transport.

Pham Vinh Khoi, director at the DuGong Bay eco-tourism project, said that the green transition in Phu Quoc City is both timely and essential, paving the way for sustainable tourism development on the charming island.

“EVs are already common on the island, and they’re well-received," he said.

"The key now is more charging stations - once that’s addressed, adoption will skyrocket."
EVs as a driver of green economy

Experts pointed out that Phu Quoc’s green mobility strategy aligns with global trends.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Sanh, former head of the Mekong Delta Development Research Institute, cited four key benefits of EV adoption, including reducing emissions, aligning with consumer preferences, especially tourists, lowering noise and air pollution, and creating new jobs in EV-related services.

He also noted infrastructure challenges, especially charging station distribution, will require close coordination between local authorities and investors.

Dr. Nguyen Tran Nhan Tanh, head of the Climate Change Institute at An Giang University, emphasized that EVs play a central role in the green economy.

"They reduce carbon emissions, decrease reliance on fossil fuels, and help urban areas cut pollution. However, charging station placement must be strategic, and EV battery waste must be properly managed,” he said.

Vision 2030 and beyond

According to the provincial People’s Committee, the green transition will unfold in two phases.

During the 2025 - 30 period, 100 percent of newly purchased or replaced buses in Phu Quoc will use electricity or green energy.

From 2030 to 2050: By 2030, at least 50 percent of vehicles on the island will use electricity, while all taxis will be electric or green-powered.

By 2050, 100 percent of buses and taxis will be electric or use renewable energy, with public transport serving 10 percent of the population.

Tieu Bac - C. Cong - B. Dau - C. Quoc / Tuoi Tre News

(2025/06/09-17:49)