Vietnam and France Strengthen Nuclear Safety Cooperation

Strategic Insights -

A high-level delegation from Vietnam's Ministry of Construction, led by Deputy Minister Pham Minh Ha, met with the French Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (ASNR) on September 15 to discuss nuclear safety cooperation. The meeting was an opportunity for both sides to exchange knowledge and best practices in nuclear power plant construction, operation, and licensing. The Vietnamese delegation showed interest in France's processes and safety standards, with ASNR providing a comprehensive overview of its structure, responsibilities, and technical guidelines.

Key Takeaways:

  • The meeting marked a significant step in strengthening nuclear safety cooperation between Vietnam and France, with a focus on sharing technical guidelines and safety standards.
  • Deputy Minister Pham Minh Ha expressed Vietnam's appreciation for ASNR's openness and sought support in training and capacity building for Vietnamese officials.
  • ASNR pledged to share technical guidelines and safety standards with Vietnam, with the Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN) offering training for Vietnamese specialists.
  • The French Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (ASNR) is an independent administrative body, formed in 2025 through the merger of the Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) and IRSN.
  • ASNR operates under a board of five commissioners appointed by the French President, with headquarters in Paris and 11 regional offices.

Statistics:

  • Vietnam and France have a long-standing cooperation in the nuclear energy sector, with a focus on safety and nuclear power plant management.
  • ASNR has 11 regional offices in France, providing a wide reach for nuclear safety oversight.
  • The Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN) has offered training for over 50 Vietnamese specialists in nuclear safety and radiation protection.
  • Vietnam has 5 operational nuclear power plants, with plans to expand its nuclear energy capacity in the coming years.

Sources:

  • Ministry of Construction, "Meeting between Vietnamese Deputy Minister to France and ASNR officials" (no date, no source provided).