Integrated Structure and Specific Solutions for Sustainable Development of Islands’ Special Economic Zone: A Practice in Phu-Quoc Island, Vietnam

A success achievement for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires four key elements- Suitable Sustainable Development (SD) model; Feasible policies; Mobilizing resources; and Consensus of the people. Establishment of a simple, common, easy-to-use process or an approach to the building of an SD model would be key importance. This could make it easier for countries or small regions where expertise resource is limited. This paper addresses two main objectives- 1) demonstrate the importance of systematic analyses and the creation of a Practical SD Structure (PSDS) at the first stage of an SD study; and 2) perform complete research at a selected pilot area, using it as the practical basis to establish component models for individual aspects of SD. This work selects Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone as a case study. It approaches three strategic goals for SD to build a comprehensive process from setting up a procedure for the creation of a visualized PSDS, identifying targets for SD, challenges, key partners, to ultimately providing analyses and practical solutions for SD issues. The results demonstrate that while only the SDGs are relatively homogeneous in different study areas, implementing partners may have similarities, so the identification of challenges, priorities, determination of tasks and responsibilities in interactions between partners is highly variable; The SD model for each specific area always requires systematic analysis. It must be based on practical conditions and pursuing feasibility. The results provide practical solutions, directly applicable to the study area. However, the approach of the work and structure of the models allow flexible application for others.