Vietnam, Japan boost energy cooperation

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Addressing the opening ceremony, MEIT Deputy Minister Tadahiro Matsushita said Vietnam ’s economy was developing strongly, boosting the country’s demands for energy, even exceeding its energy capacity.

Thus, it is necessary for Vietnam to set up nuclear power plants to serve economic development and people’s daily life, he said.

The Japanese Deputy Minister also expressed his delight that Vietnam has chosen Japan as a partner for the construction of a nuclear plant in the central province of Ninh Thuan, noting that Japan has advanced, environmentally-friendly nuclear power technologies.

With joint efforts, the two countries’ cooperation will bring benefits for their people, contributing to further enhancing the bilateral ties, he said.

Vietnamese Prime Minister’s special envoy Nguyen Chi Dung, who is also chairman of the Ninh Thuan People’s Committee, highlighted the comprehensive relations between Vietnam and Japan, saying cooperation in nuclear power and rare earth projects has contributed to boosting bilateral relations.

Dung took the occasion to suggest the Japanese side work together with Vietnam to set up special cooperation mechanisms, in a move to improve cooperation effectiveness for mutual benefit, contributing to regional peace and stability and elevating the two nations’ positions.

He also called on the Japanese government to increase its official development assistance (ODA) for Vietnam to help the country implement infrastructure projects in nuclear power, railways, highways, airports, hi-tech parks and human resources.

At the meeting, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Quan, Vice President of the National Assembly’s Committee for Science, Technology and Environment Phan Xuan Dung and deputy general Director of Electricity of Vietnam Duong Quang Thanh presented speeches on situations and policies to develop science, hi-tech and energy in Vietnam, especially the nuclear power sector.

Ichiro Takekuro, chairman of the International Nuclear Energy Development Corporation of Japan (JINED) said the Japanese sides have met six requirements of the Vietnamese government regarding nuclear power plants, including the most advanced and safe technologies, capital cooperation, stable material supplies, personnel training, waste treatment and cooperation to develop industries in Vietnam.

The Japanese side pledged to follow the commitments and support Vietnam to establish a masterplan for the nuclear power plant 2 in Ninh Thuan province.

During its six-day working visit in Japan, the Vietnamese delegation led by PM’s special envoy Dung also made fact-finding tours of several Japanese companies operating in nuclear power.