Vietnam's 'pearl island' races to reinvent itself for APEC

EconomyPhu Quoc looks to emulate Danang's success with $5bn tourism and infrastructure pushVietnam is investing more than $5 billion in airports, hotels and event venues ahead of the APEC summit in November 2027. Shown here are the convention center and performing arts center under construction on Phu Quoc Island. (Sun Group)Nikkei staff writersAugust 21, 2026 11:08 JSTHANOI -- Vietnam's so-called pearl island is buzzing with diggers and cranes as the Southeast Asian nation races to transform the tourism hotspot before it hosts one of the world's biggest gatherings of global leaders.