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A US$1 million wastewater treatment system belonging to the Thang Long Industrial Zone Ltd Company in Ha Noi's Dong Anh District. Prime Minsiter Nguyen Tan Dung has called for greater efforts to reduce industrial pollution. — VNA/VNS Photo Minh Dong

Addressing a conference on State management of natural resources and environment held in Ha Noi, Dung asked the ministry to continue popularising new provisions of the revised law, which was approved by the National Assembly last November.

He instructed the ministry to tighten management of hydro-power dams so that they perform the intended functions of easing floods during the rainy season and ensuring water supply for daily activities as well as irrigation during the dry season.

Dung exhorted the ministry to work harder to redress the loss of biodiversity and environmental pollution that the nation has suffered. The ministry should closely co-ordinate with the environment police in investigating major cases of pollution, he said.

The PM emphasised the need for each locality to "complete specific scenarios on climate change" so that they can come up with appropriate measures to minimise the negative consequences of the phenomenon.

He expressed his hope that the ministry would rapidly increase the capacity of State management agencies from the central to grassroots levels in defending and protecting the nation's sovereignty of its seas and islands.

He called for the intensification of campaigns to enhance public awareness of the important role of sea and island management in the country's socio-economic development.

Reviewing the ministry's performance in 2013, the PM said it had completed most of its tasks, particularly the drafting of amendments relating to land management that were included in the revised Constitution and the revised Land Law and passed by the National Assembly last November.

However, several shortcomings were also apparent, especially in dealing with land-related petitions, management of mineral exploitation and ensuring environmental protection, the PM said.

He said Viet Nam was yet to ensure optimal use of its natural resources to serve the cause of sustainable development.