The Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute (Vinatom) and the United States (US) Westinghouse Electric Company on January 15 signed an agreement on manpower-training cooperation for Vietnam’s nuclear power plant project. 

The agreement will set up an effective channel in developing a contingent of nuclear energy and nuclear technology experts for Vietnam in general and for the institute in particular, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Tran Viet Thanh said at the signing ceremony.

Thanh said Vietnam is implementing a nuclear power development programme, so it is vital for the country to have a pool of high-quality staff to ensure the effort’s success. 

Meanwhile, Ms Claire Pierangelo, US Deputy Ambassador to Vietnam, underlined the importance of developing manpower for operating the nuclear power plant. 

The signing became more meaningful when the two countries will be celebrating the 20 th year of the normalisation of diplomatic relations this year, she said. 

The Deputy Ambassador said she believed the cooperation will not only help Vietnam produce a qualified personnel but also enable the two sides’ further cooperation in nuclear technology as well as nuclear energy. 
The Westinghouse Company has been an important partner of Vietnam in the nuclear power field, especially in the training of manpower. 

Also at the agreement-signing ceremony, the company granted four scholarships for four Vinatom employees to study civil nuclear power in the US in 2015.