The Red River is becoming increasingly polluted while local authorities are struggling to deal with the problems.

During the conference about environment protection on August 24, chairman of Lao Cai Province Dang Xuan Phong said that since 2011, the Red River water running from China into Vietnam had become increasingly polluted.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment built a monitoring station in Lao Cai Province but the station could only give basic information and is deteriorating.

Chairman of Lao Cai Province Dang Xuan Phong

"We need more monitoring stations along the border," Phong said.

Cao Duc Phat, vice head of the Party Central Committee for Economics suggested strengthening international co-operation over the pollution of Red River and Mekong River.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc demanded Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to create and submit solutions to the problem on August 30.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc

"Ministers, department heads, provincial chairmen must take responsibilities for the pollution in their areas. We must have short-term, long-term and emergency plans to protect our country. Only a healthy environment can help to boost the economy," he said.

He also asked the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to carry out regular inspections and rank cities and provinces for best environment for better competition starting 2017.