The authorities of HCM City, Haiphong and Nam Dinh provinces admitted that they are unable to adequately deal with prostitution problems.

 Prostitution activities are becoming more complicated (photo: ANTD)

This problem was discussed during a meeting of the National Committee for AIDS, Drugs and Prostitution Prevention and Control on July 8.

Prostitution activities have increased and become more complicated in big cities such as Hanoi, HCM City. Do Son Beach in Haiphong Province and Quat Lam Beach in Nam Dinh Province.

Nam Dinh authorities said that managing the areas is a big challenge because it's difficult to separate sex solicitors from normal visitors. Meanwhile, the sex workers are willing to pay the fine and then return to work.

The representatives from Haiphong Province also pointed out that sex workers now use hi-tech equipment to advertise or disguise their ads as those for receptionists or maids at restaurants or karaoke bars.

At the meeting, HCM City representatives admitted the uncontrollable situation with the increasing number of male workers and even foreigners. Some prostitution rings hired gangsters to threaten the inspection teams.

About 3,000 facilities with 7,000 female employees are suspected of providing prostitution services. In big cities, these activities are becoming increasingly public, with girls openly inviting customers outside their guesthouses.

According to Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Nguyen Trong Dam, there are also many prostitutes on the border areas, such as Mong Cai and Huu Nghi. Along the border line between Vietnam and Cambodia alone, 300-500 Vietnamese and Cambodian prostitutes are estimated to work.

However, the most concerning problem is that prostitution is expanding to remote and mountainous areas with high rates of HIV infection. It is reported that among 3,000 discovered prostitutes, 200 are HIV positive.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc asked the Ministry of Public Security to co-operate with localities to tighten control and inspections in suspected facilities.