Vietnam and the US plan to collaborate in preventing the trafficking of nuclear and radioactive material under the Megaports Initiative Cooperation memorandum of understanding (MoU) inked in Hanoi on July 2.
The MoU was signed by Deputy Minister of Finance Hoang Anh Tuan and US Ambassador to Vietnam Michael W. Michalak.
Under the initiative, the US Department of Energy will provide equipment to screen and inspect containers as well as technical training for Vietnamese staff at Cai Mep-Thi Vai Port in southern Ba Ria-Vung Tau province over a three-year period.
Deputy Minister Tuan said that international cargo transportation control, especially at seaports, has played an important role in nuclear control activities. The initiative will contribute to ensuring a healthy economic environment and efficient enforcement of the trade and movement of sensitive goods, which pose a threat to public security in each county and the world, he added.
Cai Mep-Thi Vai is a deep-water port used by about 55 percent of all international cargo container 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 two countries’ efforts to prevent terrorists from acquiring radioactive materials for weapons of mass destruction, Mr Tuan said.
Source: VOV