Vietnam and France Strengthen Nuclear Energy Cooperation

Strategic Insights -

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hoang Long emphasized the significance of deepening Vietnam-France Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, highlighting nuclear energy cooperation as a promising direction. Long discussed Vietnam's nuclear energy development plan with representatives from the French Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (ASNR) and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA). The two sides exchanged views on cooperation needs to support Vietnam in implementing its nuclear energy plan. Long expressed appreciation for the insights shared by the ASNR and CEA on operating and managing nuclear energy activities and developing policies for monitoring them.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade values and wants to deepen the Vietnam-France Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with a focus on nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
  • The French Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (ASNR) is a newly consolidated agency with around 2,000 staff members across France, responsible for oversight, research, expert assessment, training, and communication in the fields of nuclear safety and radiation protection.
  • The French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) is a public research organisation under the French Government, established in 1945, conducting research and development in nuclear energy, including reactor technology and nuclear fuel treatment and recycling.
  • Vietnam expressed its hope that the ASNR and CEA will continue to expand comprehensive partnerships, including human resources training, technology transfer, and policy framework development for nuclear safety.
  • Both sides will consider enhancing manpower training and development, technology transfer, technical assistance, and research and expert exchanges in the near future.
  • Viet Nam Electricity (EVN) and Petrovietnam, a member of the ASNR Board, and the Head of International Relations at the CEA, attended the meeting.

Statistics:

  • The ASNR has around 2,000 staff members across France.
  • The CEA has a long presence in the nuclear energy field, dating back to its establishment in 1945.
  • Vietnam aims to develop a comprehensive partnership with the ASNR and CEA, spanning multiple areas including human resources training, technology transfer, and policy framework development.

Sources:

  • Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam
  • French Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (ASNR)
  • French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA)