A ceremony is held on January 8, 2021 to announce the establishment of Phu Quoc City. Photo: VNA

Speaking at a ceremony held on Friday to announce the establishment of Phu Quoc city, Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh said Phu Quoc has experienced tremendous economic and social growth and urbanisation, especially in recent years. The establishment of Phu Quoc city will play an important role in the province’s socio-economic development and in asserting the country’s sovereignty over its waters and islands.

The Government has identified Phu Quoc as one of the destinations in the country that will help revive international tourism after the COVID-19 pandemic is contained, according to Mr. Binh.

Mr. Binh urged the city to give priority to environmentally-friendly projects with a focus on coastal and riverine areas, and public green spaces, to improve the quality of life, making Phu Quoc a big tourism and service center not only of Vietnam, but also of the Southeast Asian region and the world at large.  Phu Quoc is also urged to seek harmonisation of economic growth with conservation of historical and cultural relics while ensuring national defense and security.