Vietnam's largest island Phu Quoc strengthens security as APEC 2027 draws 10,000 delegates

APEC stands for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. It is a regional forum where 21 member economies work through leaders, officials and business representatives. Phu Quoc is scheduled to host the summit’s peak activities in November 2027. That gives the island a major international role.

Hosting means preparing venues, transport, communications and public services for leaders and thousands of visitors. The article describes 21 infrastructure projects linked to the event. It also calls security a “steel shield,” showing that protection is treated as a foundation for successful hosting and local development.

The event is still ahead, but preparations are already underway across Phu Quoc and An Giang. Authorities are strengthening security, clearing project sites and monitoring aviation risks. If the work stays on schedule, Phu Quoc will gain upgraded infrastructure and greater international exposure while managing demanding security responsibilities.

The event’s scale comes from both its political importance and its broad attendance. Leaders from 21 APEC economies are expected in Phu Quoc during the November 2027 peak activities. APEC’s participating economies represent countries and territories linked by Pacific-region economic cooperation, while the summit brings their governments and institutions together.

About 10,000 delegates are expected. They will include officials, international media and corporate representatives, not just national leaders. This creates many simultaneous needs, including secure venues, reliable transport, accommodation, communications and emergency readiness. It also explains why authorities are preparing years in advance.

The article does not provide a country-by-country list of the 21 economies. It does show that the gathering will combine government, journalism and business audiences. Phu Quoc must therefore manage a large, visible international operation while keeping ordinary residents, construction sites and airport users safe.

Early preparation matters because the summit is large, complex and still more than a year away. About 10,000 delegates are expected, while 21 major infrastructure projects must be delivered. Authorities say they want a comprehensive security posture before the event, rather than reacting after problems appear.

Col. Nguyen Nhat Truong said planning began early so authorities would not be caught off guard or pushed onto the back foot. Police are already working with investors and contractors on site security, fire prevention and firefighting. They are also addressing public-order issues at construction locations.

This approach treats security as both event protection and development support. Crime crackdowns, land-clearance coordination, aviation controls and contingency planning are happening now. The forward-looking system should reduce delays, protect projects and leave Phu Quoc better prepared for the summit and future activity.

The security challenge extends well beyond street crime. Authorities are watching criminal, economic, drug-related and environmental offenses, along with gambling, high-tech crime and violations involving foreigners. They are also monitoring economic and energy security, residence and immigration controls, and possible emergencies.

One major example is a transnational gambling and money-laundering ring involving hundreds of billions of VND. Police initially arrested and processed 29 suspects. Aviation is another concern. Agencies are marking no-fly and restricted-flight zones near Phu Quoc International Airport and Rach Gia Airport, while tightening oversight of drone businesses and users.

Cybersecurity is addressed through a clean cyberspace campaign and broader action against high-tech crime. Authorities are also increasing patrols, inspections and monitoring. These measures aim to prevent disruption before the summit, when international visitors, media and businesses could increase the consequences of any security failure.

APEC preparations could reshape Phu Quoc’s development as well as its security. The projects may improve infrastructure and support the special zone’s long-term growth. Stronger patrols, surveillance, traffic measures and community safety programs could also make daily life safer, not only the summit period.

Land clearance shows how development affects residents directly. Task Force 833 reviewed nearly 400 enforcement dossiers and coordinated dialogue and public outreach. In 228 cases, residents voluntarily handed over their land, so enforcement was unnecessary. Where compulsory enforcement was needed, authorities followed legal procedures.

This process helped clear bottlenecks and keep projects moving while protecting residents’ legitimate rights and interests. The long-term result will depend on maintaining that balance. Visible improvements and fair procedures can build trust; rushed or poorly explained land recovery could undermine it.

The infrastructure program contains 21 projects tied to APEC 2027. The article divides them into 10 public investment projects and 11 public-private partnership schemes. Their combined capital exceeds VND137.1 trillion, or US$5.27 billion. The source does not provide individual project names or descriptions.

Public investment lets the state directly fund infrastructure considered important for the event and the wider province. Public-private partnerships bring investors and contractors into delivery. This can combine public planning with private financing, construction capacity and operational experience. Police are already coordinating with these project participants on site security and fire safety.

The mixed model reflects the program’s enormous scale and development purpose. Authorities must keep all 21 projects on schedule while resolving land issues and security risks. If implementation remains orderly, the investment can support Phu Quoc beyond the summit; delays or unresolved disputes could weaken that benefit.

International events create pressure to deliver infrastructure and security quickly. Governments must also preserve legal rights, explain decisions and ensure public resources serve lasting local needs. In this case, authorities present the projects as both summit preparation and a foundation for socio-economic development.

Task Force 833 provides a practical example. It reviewed nearly 400 land-recovery enforcement dossiers, coordinated dialogue and outreach, and found 228 cases where residents voluntarily handed over land. When compulsory enforcement was required, authorities followed legal procedures. This helped remove bottlenecks without abandoning residents’ legitimate rights and interests.

The same balance appears in security work. Police coordinate with investors, contractors and the Phu Quoc special zone, while community self-management models support public safety. Continued transparency, lawful enforcement and attention to local benefits will matter as construction, surveillance and contingency planning intensify before 2027.