Video 1
04/12/2025
Vietnam is currently operating a research reactor in Da Lat and is building a new Nuclear Science and Technology Research Center with a next-generation nuclear research reactor, reaffirming the country’s commitment to applying nuclear energy for socio-economic development. Support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is therefore critically important.
Deputy Minister Lê Xuân Định speaks at the Plenary Session of the 68th IAEA General Conference
According to the Ministry of Science and Technology, with approval from the Prime Minister, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Lê Xuân Định led the Vietnamese delegation to the 68th General Conference of the IAEA, held from September 16–18 in Vienna, Austria.
At the plenary session, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi highlighted the Agency’s top priorities, focusing on strengthening and preventing further erosion of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime. He also emphasized the IAEA’s role in addressing rising threats from climate change and long-standing challenges related to poverty and disease.
Speaking at the session, Deputy Minister Định praised the efforts and achievements of the IAEA in promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
Vietnamese delegation meets with IAEA Deputy Director General Lydie Evrard
Deputy Minister Định reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to applying nuclear technologies for sustainable development and addressing global challenges through IAEA initiatives such as:
ZODIAC (surveillance of zoonotic diseases),
NUTEC Plastics (monitoring and reducing marine microplastics),
Atoms4Food (enhancing food production and safety), and
Rays of Hope (cancer care and radiation medicine).
He noted that Vietnam continues to operate the Da Lat research reactor and is developing a new research reactor as part of the forthcoming Nuclear Science and Technology Research Center. These efforts demonstrate Vietnam’s long-term commitment to applying nuclear energy for socio-economic progress.
Vietnam acknowledged the IAEA’s support through technical cooperation projects promoting safe reactor development and expressed a desire for even stronger collaboration in expert consultation, human-resource development, and other areas essential for the success of the new reactor project.
New research reactor design planned for Đồng Nai province
https://nhandan.vn/thiet-ke-lo-phan-ung-hat-nhan-nghien-cuu-moi-tai-dong-nai-post817594.html
On the sidelines of the conference, Deputy Minister Định met with IAEA Deputy Director General Lydie Evrard. He shared updates on the Nuclear Science and Technology Research Center project in Đồng Nai, describing it as a strategic initiative that will significantly advance Vietnam’s nuclear science, energy, and radiation-technology capabilities in the years ahead.
Vietnam requested IAEA collaboration in reviewing the preliminary reactor design, site-related safety analysis reports, and the project’s feasibility studies.
He also noted that the Ministry of Science and Technology is currently revising Vietnam’s Atomic Energy Law, with amendments focused on aligning national regulations with international nuclear treaties on safety, security, and safeguards.
Furthermore, the Ministry requested continued IAEA support in implementing strategic tasks outlined in the upcoming national “Strategy for the Development and Application of Atomic Energy to 2030, Vision to 2050.”
IAEA affirms continued support for Vietnam
Deputy Director General Lydie Evrard reaffirmed the IAEA’s readiness to support Vietnam’s nuclear-energy development, nuclear safety, and security efforts—particularly in key priority programs currently underway. She also instructed relevant IAEA departments to work directly with Vietnam to implement the agreed-upon activities.
