Hanoi hosts 3rd Asian Nuclear Power Briefing

Hanoi, January 23 (VNA) - The third Asian Nuclear Power Briefing was held by the Vietnam Atomic Energy Agency and the UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) in Hanoi on January 22. The event drew the participation of numerous delegates and experts from nations with developed nuclear industries, interested parties planning to expand nuclear power projects, and large international technology corporations. Participants focused discussions on challenges to developing nuclear power in Asia, investment opportunities, and technological advances in the field. They also exchanged opinions on acquiring public approvals for a new project. Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Tran Viet Thanh spoke highly of the briefing’s agenda, saying that it will help newcomers in the nuclear power industry, like Vietnam, carry out their programmes safely and effectively, ensuring energy security and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. UK Ambassador to Vietnam Giles Lever stressed the importance of developing nuclear power as a replacement for fossil fuels like oil and coal. In November 2013, the UK and Vietnam signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in using atomic energy for peaceful purposes, he reiterated, adding that the UK is willing to send experts to Vietnam to provide training and consultations for the country in this new field. Vietnam has so far signed agreements on the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes with nine nations, Russia, China, the Republic of Korea, Japan, France, India, Argentina, Canada and the US. It is also preparing the components for constructing and maintaining nuclear power plants.-VNA