France, Vietnam extend nuclear pact
Vietnam and France have extended their cooperation pact on the peaceful application of nuclear technology that was originally reached between the Vietnam National Atomic Energy Commission (VINATOM) and France’s Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) in 1996.
An agreement underscoring the extension was signed by the Vietnam Atomic Energy Commission (VAEC) and the CEA in Ha Noi, on July 11.
Under the agreement, VAEC and CEA will focus their cooperation on evaluating nuclear energy application strategies; reactor technology and fuels; managing radioactive waste and nuclear safety; and conducting research for designing a draft law on atomic energy.
VAEC Deputy Director Le Van Hong said the extension would aid in meeting the VAEC’s needs in training and selecting the appropriate technology for the country's first nuclear power plant, which may be built by 2020.
In addition, VAEC has asked for the CEA’s technical assistance to construct a new reactor in Da Lat. The reactor construction project has been submitted to the Government for approval.
A CEA representative affirmed that CEA will give priority to training VAEC experts in nuclear safety and radiation protection as Vietnam prepares for construction work on its first nuclear power plant.
Vietnam News Agency - July 13, 2007.
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