Laos, Vietnam cooperate in nuclear technologies

Laos, Vietnam cooperate in nuclear technologies

The use of nuclear technologies can benefit the fields of agricultural research, trade, industry, and the health sector but Laos faces challenges in these areas, a senior official said yesterday.

Speaking at a workshop on the development and management of applications in the field of atomic energy, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, Mr Houmphan Inthirath, said it would be very useful if Laos had at least one Geiger counter to monitor radiation levels in agriculture, health and other fields.

“The gathering of technical officers today will provide a platform to meet with experienced Vietnamese nuclear specialists. They will be able to share a wide range of knowledge on the development and management of atomic energy,” he said.

Mr Houmphan said the meeting would also review the past year's achievements in regards to cooperation between the ministry's Science Department and the Vietnam Agency for Radiation and Nuclear Safety (VARANS), following the agreement signed in Hanoi last year.

“Currently, we don't have any laws relating to the management and use of nuclear and radioactive technologies, which is a challenge in terms of human resources, skills and budget,” Mr Houmphan said.

He observed that the people of Laos are largely unaware of the benefits of nuclear technology but the fact is that it is essential for the treatment of cancer and in various diagnostic procedures, amongst other things.

The workshop was jointly organised by the ministry's Science Department and the Vietnam Agency for Radiation and Nuclear Safety of the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam.

VARANS' Mr Le Quang Hiep led the Vietnamese delegation at the workshop, aiming to share their experiences in the national management of radiation and nuclear safety.

Laos became a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in November, 2011. The government has assigned the Ministry of Science and Technology to oversee technical cooperation with the IAEA.

The IAEA is an international organisation that seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and to inhibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons.

By Bounfaeng Phaymanivong (Latest Update April 23, 2013)

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