Viet Nam, US agree to controls on nuclear, radio-active material

Viet Nam and the United States plan to collaborate on preventing nuclear and radioactive-material trafficking under the Megaports Initiative Co-operation memorandum of understanding inked yesterday.

The MoU was signed by Deputy Minister of Finance Do Hoang Anh Tuan and US Ambassador to Viet Nam Michael Michalak.

Under the initiative, the US Department of Energy will equip, set up, screen and inspect containers and provide technical training for Vietnamese staff at Cai Mep – Thi Vai Port in southern Ba Ria Vung Tau Province over a three-year period.

“International cargo transportation control, especially at seaports, has played an important role in nuclear control activities,” Tuan said at the signing ceremony.

“The initiative will contribute towards ensuring a healthy economic/trade environment and efficient enforcement of the trade and movement of sensitive goods, which pose a threat to public security in each country and the world,” Tuan added.

Cai Mep – Thi Vai is a deep-water port used by about 55 per cent of all international container cargo ships visiting the country.

The US Department of Energy established the Megaports Initiative in 2003 to screen cargo on container ships for nuclear and other radioactive materials.

The initiative was a key element in the US and Viet Nam’s efforts to prevent terrorists from acquiring radioactive materials for weapons of mass destruction, Tuan said. — VNS

Tags: nuclear, radio-active material