Vietnam’s legal capacity in nuclear safety has been improved considerably over the past three years thanks to the European Opinion (EU)’s project costing US$2.25 million initiated in May 2016. 
A nuclear complex. Photo: Shutterstock
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The “Enhancing the capacity and effectiveness of the Vietnam Agency for Radiation and Nuclear Safety (VARANS) and its Technical Support Organization/s - VN3.01/13” project sets an overall objective to further enhance the capacity and effectiveness of the Vietnamese regulatory bodies.
The project is a follow-up to project VN 3.01/09, the first cooperation with Vietnam in the area of nuclear safety under the auspices of the EU’s Instrument for Nuclear Safety Cooperation (INSC).
It aims at transferring EU know-how and experience in the related domains, without interfering with the exclusive responsibilities of the involved Vietnamese stakeholders.
Vietnamese and EU officials, including Ambassador Bruno Angelet at a meeting in Hanoi on April 4. Photo: Khoahocphattrien
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(i) Further development of the legal and regulatory framework for nuclear safety in accordance with best international standards and practice and on a timescale consistent with the planned use of nuclear energy in Vietnam.
(ii) Further development of the quality management system for use by the regulatory body in fulfilling its functions of assessing and verifying the safety of nuclear installations (including internal regulatory guides and procedures).
(iii) Further development of capabilities within VARANS and its TSOs to perform and/or to commission independent reviews and assessments of safety submissions for nuclear power plants in accordance with best international standards and practice.
(iv) Further refining of the human resources development plan for the project and establishment of a sustainable training program capable of delivering the goals of the human resources development plan.
(v) Development of a comprehensive system for nuclear safeguards in Vietnam.
The project focuses on three aspects namely safety of research reactor, preparations and response to incidents, and making policies on the safety and management of radioactive waste.
Vietnam has promoted research and application of nuclear energy in economic development, and gradually improved the national nuclear technology.
