(VOVWORLD) - A National Assembly resolution has established Phu Quoc in Kien Giang province as an island city. On January 1, Phu Quoc became the first island city in Vietnam.
Phu Quoc island city encompasses the entire area and a population of 180,000 people of the previous Phu Quoc district, an island of alluring beaches and rich fishing grounds, suitable for tourism, fishing, and sea port development. Phu Quoc has maintained strong, stable economic growth over the past 15 years. In 2019, it welcomed three million tourists from Vietnam and abroad. Infrastructure has improved rapidly.
Since the recognition of Phu Quoc as a level-2 urban area in 2014, Phu Quoc has made great strides towards becoming a luxurious resort city.
Phan Van Manh, Director of the Phu Quoc Golden Dragon Travel Company, said, “It is believed that making Phu Quoc Vietnam’s first island city will attract more tourists and investment. Party and State policies have fueled Phu Quoc development.”
 Phu Quoc wins praise for alluring beaches. (Photo: vnexpress.net) |
320 projects have been approved in Phu Quoc, 47 of which are underway. Tourism projects that meet international standards include JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa, a cable car route from An Thoi to Hon Thom, Vinpearl Land, Vinpearl Safari, and Phu Quoc Casino. A coordinated land-sea-air transportation system will help to make Phu Quoc a world-class resort.
Dinh Quang Thieu, a resident of Duong Dong town, the heart of Phu Quoc, said, “I’m really excited and proud that Phu Quoc has become a city. We are looking forward to Phu Quoc’s booming development.”
Bui Thanh Huyen, Chairwoman of the Board of Salinda Resort Phu Quoc Island, told VOV, “The moment Phu Quoc became an island city was exciting. We are really happy. This is sure to put a new face on Phu Quoc and lure more tourists here.”
 The An Thoi - Hon Thom cable car (Photo: vnexpress.net) |
According to Mai Van Huynh, Deputy Secretary of the Kien Giang provincial Party Committee, local authorities intend to upgrade their planning, urban order, and environment management. They will try to improve people’s incomes, living conditions, and access to social services.
“We are working to shift from a rural to an urban administration and address the shortcomings of our management. Phu Quoc is now qualified for and will facilitate the operation of high-end resorts, shopping malls, and financial centers to regional standards,” said Huynh.
The establishment of Phu Quoc island city will support current Mekong Delta development.