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

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

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

Meanwhile, MsClaire Pierangelo, US Deputy Ambassador to Vietnam, underlined theimportance of developing manpower for operating the nuclear power plant.

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

The DeputyAmbassador said she believed the cooperation will not only help Vietnamproduce a qualified personnel but also enable the two sides’ furthercooperation in nuclear technology as well as nuclear energy.

The Westinghouse Company has been an important partner of Vietnam inthe nuclear power field, especially in the training of manpower.

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