VietNamNet Bridge – It is estimated 80 per cent of traditional craft villages in northern Thanh Hoa Province do not have industrial waste treatment facilities.

Furthermore, production in the province's 127 trade villages uses outdated technology and is inefficient, according to local officials.

The province has an environmental protection budget of just VND15 million (US$724) per commune.

In addition, there is no overall plan for the development of craft villages in the province or detailed regulations on environmental protection.

The Thanh Hoa Province authority has set itself the goal of building waste treatment facilities in every craft village, capable of treating more than 60 per cent of hazardous waste, by 2020.

The provincial authority also plans to invest in waste collection.

In addition, local firms will be encouraged to improve their production methods and apply new technologies.

Provincial officials added that the authority would issue environmental protection guidelines.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News