Phu Tho, June 10 -- The merger of the three northern provinces of Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc and Hoa Binh to form a single Phu Tho province is expected to create favourable conditions for the development of economic corridors across plains, midlands, and mountainous regions, stated Party General Secretary To Lam at a working session with the Standing Boards of the three localities' Party Committees on June 10. General Secretary Lam emphasised that the merger of the three provinces marks a strategic turning point for the broader northern midland and mountainous region. Geographically, it would create a contiguous and integrated area linking Hanoi with the vast Northwest and serving as a gateway to the North Central region via National Highways 6 a...