The Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) hosted a seminar in Hanoi on December 5 to review infrastructure for the development of nuclear power in Vietnam.

Participants at the event heard reports on Vietnam ’s nuclear power infrastructure and preparations for the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project.

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Le Dinh Tien said Vietnam has made considerable progress in developing its nuclear power infrastructure, including nuclear inspection and security. However, the country needs to concentrate on developing human resources, finalise legal documents and assess locations to meet IAEA requirements.

An IAEA representative said Vietnam is in the second stage of developing nuclear power infrastructure. It is an extremely critical and challenging phase for countries new to nuclear power like Vietnam , as they lack experts in the field.

During the 10-day event, participants will discuss criteria set by the IAEA like national geography, support facilities, environmental protection, contingency plans, legal framework, human resources, nuclear materials and waste.

Later, IAEA experts will present recommendations to the Vietnamese Government and relevant agencies.-VNA