On November 4, Ho Van Muong, chairman of the An Giang People's Committee, chaired the fourth Business Coffee meeting in Phu Quoc special zone. The meeting was attended by businesses and investors.
The discussion focused on difficulties in investment and business operations and on ways to unlock resources and support the local economy as the island prepares for the APEC 2027 summit.
The chairman said authorities and businesses should work together to address problems and pursue development goals. The province has reviewed and handled a number of stalled projects, but new issues still need to be resolved.
Land, site clearance and waste
Many businesses raised land-related procedures, especially the issuance of land-use-right certificates for projects in Phu Quoc.
Regarding site clearance for key APEC projects and long-term development, Ho Van Muong called on the special zone to change its working methods and use its workforce more effectively. Professional consulting organizations from other areas could be brought in to conduct measurements and speed up progress instead of relying only on local resources.
The provincial leadership also told Phu Quoc not to focus only on projects serving APEC, but to promote broader development projects that can provide a coordinated foundation for the special zone's growth.
The An Giang chairman said urban management and environmental protection on the island had not met expectations, especially as the number of tourists and international delegates is expected to rise.
The province aims to have 100% of waste collected across the area delivered to a treatment plant by the end of the year. Authorities are ready to support waste-collection costs for residents and businesses to protect the marine and forest ecosystems.
The province also plans to approve a green-transition project requiring public transport, including taxis and buses, to switch to 100% electric vehicles.
Ho Van Muong instructed the Department of Natural Resources and Environment and other agencies to receive businesses' requests and urgently resolve their difficulties in accordance with the law. Authorities must not make mistakes, create unofficial permits or impose cumbersome administrative procedures.
Training workers for opportunities from APEC 2027
Businesses also reported a shortage of workers for tourism and services in Phu Quoc.
The provincial chairman said An Giang would work with major corporations and vocational education institutions to create short-term training plans focused on foreign languages, digital skills and services for international visitors.
An Giang has a population of about 5 million and a large young workforce. The province will guide residents from the mainland to work, start businesses and share in the development of Phu Quoc special zone.
At the meeting, Ho Van Muong congratulated the Phu Quoc Business Association on its establishment. He said he hoped the organization would connect businesses and promote cooperation rather than leaving companies to compete separately.
The dialogue is expected to strengthen ties between authorities and the business community, help address regulatory, infrastructure, environmental and workforce problems, and prepare Phu Quoc for major international events, including APEC 2027.
Sources: Dân Trí
