Vietnam’s An Giang Province approves $342mn urban electric rail project in Phu Quoc ahead of APEC 2027

The first phase of the electric train line will run about 17.7 kilometers from Phu Quoc International Airport to the APEC conference center. 

It will include five to seven stations, a vehicle maintenance center, and a combination of elevated, at-grade, and underground segments. 

Trains will have three to five carriages and operate at speeds of 70 to 100 km/h.

The provincial People's Council approved the investment plan on Friday. 

The project will be implemented under a build-operate-transfer public-private partnership (PPP) contract, with a maximum duration of 40 years.

State funding will cover up to 70 percent of the total investment, including contributions from the central government and provincial budget. 

The private investor will be selected through a 'special case' mechanism, officials said.

Construction is expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2025 and be completed by the second quarter of 2027.

Provincial authorities said the project is intended to reduce traffic congestion, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and provide public transport for residents and tourists. 

They also said it could support future urban development and tourism on Phu Quoc Island.

Phu Quoc is set to host the APEC forum in 2027, with the APEC Economic Leaders' Week, the main event of the forum, scheduled for November.