Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Quan was speaking at a seminar on nuclear infrastructure held in Hanoi on August 23 by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

He pointed out several shortcomings in domestic infrastructure for nuclear development, including legal frameworks, human resources and capital sources.

However, Quan said, the Vietnamese Government is taking measures to upgrade the necessary infrastructure. A State steering board has been set up to monitor the implementation of a nuclear power plant project in the central coastal province of Ninh Thuan, he added.

He thanked the IAEA’s support for Vietnam’s nuclear energy development by providing technical assistance, facilities, legal consultancy, and human resource training. The UN agency has also actively helped the country participate in and implement international treaties on nuclear energy.

According to the IAEA, the infrastructure development process for nuclear energy is normally divided into three phases over 10-15 years, which includes Government commitment, feasibility studies, invitation for tenders, and the production and operation of nuclear plants.

After the Fukushima incident in Japan in March 2011, many IAEA reports show that nuclear development is likely to be suspended in many countries, but unlikely to be reversed.

The agency is committed to assisting Vietnam to develop its nuclear energy programme.