Phu Quoc Island in southern Kien Giang province was connected to the national electricity grid for the first time on February 2, according to the Government Portal.

The Southern Power Company under the Electricity of Vietnam Corporation (EVN) had earlier completed the installation stages of the undersea cable system that transfers electricity from the mainland to the island.

Construction of the 110-kV Ha Tien – Phu Quoc undersea cable system started on November 17, 2013.
The island is well known for its beautiful beaches, impressive landscape and delicious seafood, which are very attractive to tourists in and outside the country.

This 574-sq.km heart-shaped island, along with 22 other islands, forms Phu Quoc island district.

It has recently been recommended as one of the top three best winter trips in 2014 by the renowned US National Geographic Magazine.

The island posts an annual economic growth rate of over 24.5 percent, a 5.2-fold increase from 2004. Its per capita income in 2013 is estimated to have reached 70.3 million VND (3,500 USD).

According to a master plan on Kien Giang socio-economic development by 2020, Phu Quoc Island will become a special administrative-economic zone by the end of this decade with its role as a national and international hi-end ecotourism and entertainment centre.

Kien Giang province has granted investment certificates to 20 new projects looking to develop Phu Quoc Island in 2014, raising the total number in the area to 194.-VNA