| Delegates press the button to officially launch the Doan Hung Industrial Park – AMATA City Phu Tho project at the conference. — VNA/VNS Photo | PHÚ THỌ — The Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Thai Embassy in Việt Nam, and the People's Committee of Phú Thọ Province jointly held the Thai Connect in Phú Thọ 2026 programme on Wednesday, attracting around 400 representatives from government agencies, diplomatic missions, business associations, and enterprises from both countries. The event featured a range of investment and trade promotion activities, business matching sessions, and the Thai Connect Expo. A key highlight was the thematic discussion, "Thailand-Việt Nam connectivity: smart cities as a driver for economic growth and sustainable development", where participants exchanged experience and explored cooperation in digital transformation, smart urban development, green growth, and sustainable development. On the occasion, Vietnamese and Thai partners exchanged many important cooperation documents, including a letter of intent by CP Group to expand its investment project in Phú Thọ with an estimated capital of US$320 million, as well as investment memoranda of understanding involving Central Retail Vietnam and MM Mega Market Vietnam. The programme also officially launched the implementation of the Đoan Hùng Industrial Park – AMATA City Phú Thọ project, developed by Thailand's AMATA Corporation. Covering nearly 500 hectares, the project is designed as a modern eco-industrial park and regional high-tech manufacturing centre, and is expected to create a new growth engine for the province. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyễn Mạnh Cường said the event was held during the year marking the 50th anniversary of Việt Nam–Thailand diplomatic relations (August 6, 1976–2026). Over the past five decades, bilateral ties have evolved into one of the region's most dynamic and effective partnerships. Thailand is currently Việt Nam's largest trading partner within ASEAN, while Việt Nam