Vietnam is actively preparing to host APEC 2027, marking the third time the country will host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, following 2006 and 2017.
As preparations move forward, Vietnam is focusing not only on the organization of meetings and events, but also on coordination between national agencies and host localities, improvements in infrastructure and services, and opportunities to introduce the country’s destinations, culture and hospitality to the international community.
Vietnam Steps Up Preparations for APEC 2027
On October 1, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a workshop in Hanoi titled “Preparing for APEC 2027: Enhancing Organizational and Coordination Capacity.”
The event brought together representatives from government agencies, host localities and APEC-related organizations to exchange experience and strengthen preparations for Vietnam’s APEC host year. Mr. Ha Van Sieu, Deputy Director General of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, also attended the workshop.
Mr. Ha Van Sieu, Deputy Director General of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, attended the workshop. Photo: TITC
Speaking at the event, Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Nguyen Minh Vu noted that Vietnam will host APEC 2027 at a time when the country is entering a new stage of development and the regional and international environment is undergoing significant changes.
Mr. Nguyen Minh Vu, Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, delivers the opening remarks. Photo: TITC
Geopolitical and geoeconomic developments, the restructuring of supply chains, rapid technological advancement, climate change, energy security and food security are among the major issues shaping the region and reinforcing the role and importance of APEC.
For Vietnam, organizational preparations and substantive APEC initiatives are expected to progress in parallel. Successfully hosting meetings and events will not only contribute to cooperation within APEC but also allow Vietnam to contribute to an APEC that can adapt to a changing international environment and continue delivering practical benefits to people and businesses.
Ms. Courtney Beale, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam, speaks at the workshop. Photo: TITC
At the workshop, Ms. Courtney Beale, Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam, welcomed Vietnam’s preparations and noted that the process is gradually moving from overall planning toward more specific implementation. Vietnam’s previous experience hosting APEC in 2006 and 2017 provides an important foundation for the preparations ahead.
Mr. Eduardo Pedrosa, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat, delivers the keynote remarks. Photo: TITC
Mr. Eduardo Pedrosa, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat, also highlighted several areas that could play an important role in APEC’s future agenda, including services, artificial intelligence, business facilitation and supply chain resilience. He emphasized the importance of inclusive and sustainable growth and confirmed that the APEC Secretariat will continue to support Vietnam throughout the preparation and organization of APEC 2027.
Three Priorities for APEC 2027 Preparations
Deputy Minister Nguyen Minh Vu highlighted three key priorities in Vietnam’s preparations for APEC 2027.
The first is to strengthen coordination between the APEC 2027 National Secretariat, ministries, government agencies and host localities.
The second is to improve the capacity and initiative of host localities. This is expected to contribute to better service quality, support tourism and business development, and help promote the distinctive culture and identity of local destinations to international visitors.
The third priority is to proactively prepare contingency plans for unexpected situations, particularly as the scale, requirements and organizational standards of APEC events continue to increase.
Vietnam aims to organize a professional and substantive APEC year while leaving a distinctive national impression through its traditions, cultural identity, dynamism, creativity and hospitality.
During the workshop, delegates also exchanged experience on six main areas: an overview of APEC and Vietnam’s APEC Year 2027; experience from host localities; preparation, coordination and on-site management of APEC activities; organization and management of APEC meetings; effective organization of APEC Ministerial Meetings; and management of the APEC brand and image.
Phu Quoc Prepares to Welcome APEC 2027
Rendering of the APEC multifunctional complex in Phu Quoc, part of preparations for APEC 2027. Photo: VNA
Phu Quoc will be at the center of international attention as the host destination for the APEC 2027 Leaders’ Week.
Preparations include major infrastructure and service improvements covering Phu Quoc International Airport, transportation, accommodation, commercial and tourism services, and other technical and social infrastructure.
Phu Quoc International Airport is among the important projects being upgraded and expanded ahead of APEC 2027. Plans include improvements to passenger terminals, runways, aircraft parking areas and supporting facilities to increase the airport’s capacity.
Transportation connections and other essential infrastructure, including electricity, water supply and environmental facilities, are also part of the wider preparations.
Importantly, these investments are intended not only to serve APEC 2027. The Vietnamese Government has emphasized that infrastructure developed for the event should also contribute to the long-term development of Phu Quoc, including its tourism and service industries.
For travelers, these improvements could mean better connectivity, stronger tourism infrastructure and greater service capacity as Phu Quoc continues to develop as one of Vietnam’s leading island destinations.
APEC 2027 and Vietnam Tourism
Tourism is an important part of the wider preparations for APEC 2027.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, hosting APEC provides host localities with an opportunity to improve service quality, promote business and tourism, and introduce their distinctive characteristics and local identity to international visitors.
For Phu Quoc in particular, improvements in airport capacity, transportation, accommodation and supporting services could further strengthen the island’s tourism infrastructure and international connectivity.
The significance extends beyond Phu Quoc. APEC 2027 will bring international delegates, businesses, experts and media to Vietnam, creating an opportunity to showcase the country’s destinations, cultural heritage, cuisine and hospitality to a wider international audience.
The event also comes as Vietnam continues to strengthen its position as an international travel destination. Improvements made in preparation for APEC — particularly in infrastructure, connectivity and service quality — could therefore provide benefits that extend well beyond the event itself.
Looking Ahead to APEC 2027
Having successfully hosted APEC twice before, Vietnam is once again preparing to welcome the international community in 2027.
The country’s preparations combine organizational capacity, international cooperation and infrastructure development, while Phu Quoc is undergoing significant improvements ahead of hosting the APEC Leaders’ Week.
Alongside its diplomatic and economic significance, APEC 2027 also provides an opportunity for Vietnam to present its culture, destinations and hospitality to the world.
As preparations continue, the improvements associated with the event may leave longer-term benefits for Phu Quoc and contribute to the continued development of Vietnam’s tourism industry and its international destination image.
Viet Orchid Travel
Sources & References:
This article is based on information from the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (TITC), Government News – Government of Vietnam, VietnamPlus – Vietnam News Agency (VNA), and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).