Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyễn Hoàng Long had a working session with representatives from the French Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (ASNR) and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) at the ASNR headquarters on June 10. — VNA/VNS Photo

PARIS — Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyễn Hoàng Long, who is accompanying Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính in his working trip to France, held a meeting with representatives from the French Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (ASNR) and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) at the ASNR headquarters in Paris on Tuesday (local time).

Attending the meeting were representatives from the Việt Nam Electricity (EVN) and the Việt Nam National Industry - Energy Group (Petrovietnam), member of the ASNR Board Luc Lachaume, and Head of International Relations at the CEA Philippe Chapelot.

Long affirmed that the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) always values and wants to deepen the Việt Nam–France Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in a more substantive and effective manner, with cooperation in nuclear energy for peaceful purposes seen as a promising direction that should continue to be strengthened.

The two sides exchanged views, perspectives, and cooperation needs to support Việt Nam in implementing its nuclear energy development plan.

Luc Lachaume stated that the ASNR is a newly consolidated agency, formed by the merger of the French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) and the Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN), with around 2,000 staff members across France. It is responsible for oversight, research, expert assessment, training, and communication in the fields of nuclear safety and radiation protection.

Meanwhile, Chapelot noted that the CEA, established in 1945, is a public research organisation under the French Government. Its primary role is to conduct research and development in nuclear energy, covering reactor technology, nuclear fuel, and the treatment and recycling of nuclear waste. In addition, it actively promotes research into alternative energy sources while also working on safety and environmental protection related to nuclear energy.

During the discussion, Long expressed his appreciation for the insights shared by the ASNR and CEA, particularly their experience in operating and managing activities in the field of nuclear energy, as well as in developing policies for monitoring them.

The Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade expressed its hope that the two agencies, building on their past and ongoing cooperation with Việt Nam, will continue to expand comprehensive partnerships ranging from human resources training to technology transfer, thereby supporting Việt Namto achieve its nuclear energy goals.

Both sides also expressed their wish to promote specific areas of cooperation in the near future, including supporting Việt Nam's development of a legal and policy framework for nuclear safety, ensuring compliance with international standards. They will also consider enhancing manpower training and development, working together in technology transfer and technical assistance, as well as cooperating in research and expert exchanges. — VNA/VNS