IAEA urges Vietnam to integrate existing systems, measures into nuclear security policy

The agency conducted a security advisory mission in Vietnam from 19 to 31 March.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) concluded its security advisory mission in Vietnam for nuclear power, encouraging the country to further integrate its existing systems and measures into a national nuclear security policy.

In a statement, the IAEA said Vietnam has made progress in putting in place an effective national nuclear security regime for nuclear or other radioactive material out of regulatory control (MORC).

“A strong nuclear security culture and a smooth cooperation among involved stakeholders are essential for the detection and response to criminal acts involving nuclear or other radioactive material,” said Elena Buglova, Director of the IAEA Division of Nuclear Security. 

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“By requesting a full scope (International Security Advisory) mission, Viet Nam has shown its commitment to further focus on areas such as the legislative and regulatory framework for nuclear security in relation to MORC, the sustainability of detection systems and measures, and the response system related to MORC,” Buglova added.

The mission, which has requested and hosted by the Vietnam Agency for Radiation and Nuclear Safety from 19 to 31 March, involved the review of the country’s laws and regulations and site visits in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minch City.

The team also identified the good practices in the country including Vietnam’s cooperation with other countries, the ongoing research programme on radiation detection, and its capacity of nuclear security systems and measures for major public events.