Vietnamese experts abroad join efforts to advance nuclear power development at home

Held both in person and online, the seminar focused on the current status and opportunities for Vietnam’s nuclear power programme, human resources development, global trends in small modular reactors (SMRs), experience in ensuring safety and extending the operational life of nuclear power plants, and ways to mobilise Vietnamese experts abroad to contribute to the programme.

31/08/2026 17:36 GMT+

The seminar is held both in person and online, bringing together leading nuclear energy experts from around the world. (Photo: VNA)

Paris (VNA) – The Vietnam Nuclear Professional Network (VietNuc) on August 29 held a seminar on Vietnam’s nuclear power programme at École Polytechnique in Paris, bringing together Vietnamese experts working at leading nuclear agencies and organisations in Vietnam, France and other countries.

Speaking to Vietnam News Agency (VNA) correspondents in Paris, Bui Nguyen Hoang, a VietNuc representative and moderator of the seminar’s discussion session, said the event was aimed primarily at creating a forum for members of the network to meet and exchange views, while expanding connections with experts in Vietnam and around the world.

He said VietNuc seeks to share experience from nuclear power programmes worldwide to support Vietnam in developing its nuclear power programme safely and successfully. The network also aims to serve as a bridge enabling Vietnamese experts abroad and international partners to contribute their knowledge and experience to Vietnam.

At the seminar, Nguyen Hoang Linh, Director of the Vietnam Agency for Radiation and Nuclear Safety (VARANS) under the Ministry of Science and Technology, gave an overview of the status and opportunities of Vietnam’s nuclear power programme. His presentation highlighted that nuclear power development requires not only technology selection and plant construction, but also comprehensive preparations in legal frameworks, management capacity, nuclear safety and security, human resources and international cooperation.

Human resources were identified as a decisive factor in the sustainable implementation of the programme. Xavier Perrette, Vice President for International Relations at France’s National Institute of Nuclear Sciences and Technologies (INSTN), under the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), shared experience in developing human resources for national nuclear programmes.

Drawing on training programmes in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe, Perrette stressed that workforce development should begin early, follow a long-term plan and be aligned with each stage of a nuclear programme, from management, design and construction to operation, safety oversight and radioactive waste management.

Another key topic was the development of SMRs. Dr. Vu Thanh Mai, an expert at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), reviewed global SMR development and emerging technologies. While SMRs offer potential advantages through smaller capacity, modular construction and greater flexibility in energy-system deployment, technology selection must be carefully assessed in terms of maturity, commercial viability, costs, regulatory requirements, safety and technological self-reliance.

Established in July 2025, VietNuc now has more than 100 active members and connects with around 200 experts worldwide. Its members work in nuclear management, engineering, construction, project management and research in France, the UK, Austria, Belgium, Italy, Vietnam and other countries.

The Paris seminar demonstrated the potential of Vietnamese experts abroad to serve as an important bridge connecting domestic needs with international expertise, technology and training systems, contributing to more comprehensive preparations for Vietnam’s nuclear power programme and its careful, safe and sustainable development./.

# Vietnam Nuclear Professional Network # VietNuc # Vietnam nuclear power programme

Related News

Vietnam reaffirms commitment to global peace, nuclear disarmament

At the conference's official opening session, Duong Thi Nga, VPC Deputy Secretary-General, presented a message from General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam’s Central Committee and State President To Lam to the organisers. The message was formally read before delegates at the international plenary session, while Japanese and English translations were distributed throughout the conference.

Skilled workforce vital to Vietnam’s nuclear power programme

The long-term challenge Vietnam must proactively address is building a pool of personnel in management, regulation, research and development, and technical support. These are areas in which the country must take the initiative in training and building up its own capabilities so that it can independently conduct assessments, evaluate safety, verify technical calculations, carry out research, and provide support for the sustainable development of the nuclear programme.

US Ambassador highlights roadmap for concrete outcomes in Vietnam–US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Vietnam and the US have begun discussions on a roadmap to translate their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership into concrete and measurable outcomes across a broad range of areas, US Ambassador to Vietnam Jennifer Wicks said at a press roundtable in Hanoi on August 28.

Culture is central to Vietnam's global standing and sustainable growth: UNESCO representative

UNESCO Representative to Vietnam Jonathan Wallace Baker outlines five priorities for heritage-driven development and previews the next phase of UNESCO–Vietnam cooperation as the two mark 50 years of partnership.

Argentinian official highlights CPV leadership in Vietnam’s new development era

Over the decades, the CPV has continuously adjusted its foreign policy, economic development strategies and governance methods in line with realities, while demonstrating strong capacity for policymaking, reviewing practice and drawing lessons to chart the next course.

UK-Vietnam cooperation deepens ASEAN-UK partnership trust: ambassador

The UK is accelerating investment in clean power across Southeast Asia. The country is working closely together through its co-leadership of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) to support Vietnam’s ambition to expand renewable energy, unlock investment in offshore wind, and build a cleaner, more resilient energy system for the future.

Expert suggests Vietnam, Singapore combine complementary strengths in semiconductors

Singapore, Vietnam and other ASEAN economies have different but complementary strengths. By linking these strengths through infrastructure, talent mobility, research partnerships, reliable supply chains and joint industry development, ASEAN can become an integrated, sustainable and globally significant semiconductor ecosystem rather than merely a collection of separate semiconductor manufacturing locations.

Argentine media highlights significance of Vietnam’s August Revolution

The events of August 1945 not only changed Vietnam’s destiny but also inspired peoples in other countries to rise up and break free from colonial rule, according to Acercándonos Ediciones.

Vietnam’s foreign policy reflects national identity, resilience: Japanese scholar

Vietnam’s foreign policy reflects the country’s historical and cultural identity, combining flexibility in dealing with partners with a steadfast commitment to independence, self-reliance and national interests, according to Professor Shimizu Masaaki from Osaka University of Japan.

Vietnam’s foreign policy reflects national identity, resilience: Japanese expert

By remaining steadfast on fundamental principles such as independence, self-reliance and national interests, Vietnam can engage flexibly with individual partners while developing cooperation with as many countries as possible. Such an approach is increasingly relevant in a complex and unpredictable international environment.

A new “shield” against climate change

Smart urban areas are no longer simply about technology; they are becoming a tool that enables authorities to forecast risks, adapt quickly and protect their residents.

Data-driven land valuation to curb speculation: Experts

From a property-market perspective, Do Thi Thu Giang, National Director of Valuation and Advisory at Savills Vietnam, said the orientations under Resolution No. 21-NQ/TW could make the market more transparent and efficient, with property values increasingly tied to actual development and use potential.