The Fourth FNCA Meeting
Okinawa, Japan, 3 December 2003

Country Report of Viet Nam
The year 2003 is a year of many remarkable events for research, development
and uses of nuclear energy in Viet Nam.
In September 2003, the VAEC and IAEA have signed The Country Programme
Framework for Technical Co-operation between the VAEC and IAEA, period 20032008. The areas for future cooperation between the VAEC and IAEA are as follows:
Food Security; Energy Security; Management of National Water Resources and Supplyof Clean Drinking Water; Strengthening of National Capability in Nuclear Science andTechnology; Health Care; Industrial Applications of Nuclear Techniques; and Human
Resources Development.
The Draft Strategy for nuclear energy development in Viet Nam is completed
and being reviewed. The strategy has emphasized the socio-economic impact of nuclear
technology to the country, as well as formulated a long-term programme for nuclear
energy development of the country from now up to 2030.
Reports on Pre-FS on the first NPP’s construction in Viet Nam and Study andelucidation of seven aspects in relation to the nuclear power development in Viet Nam
are going to be completed. The study results concluded that in order to meet energy
demand of the country, the first NPP should be put into commercial operation in Viet
Nam by 2017-2020.
The National Assembly Standing Committee approved to formulate Draft
Atomic Energy Law of Viet Nam. A Steering Committee was established. H.E. Ministerof the MOST is appointed as the Chairman of the Committee.
During the 2003, Viet Nam has been participating in all FNCA projects. The
results obtained from the FNCA cooperative activities have been making significant
contributions to the enhancing of research, development and use of nuclear science andtechnology in Viet Nam. Below are some main activities being carried out under the
FNCA framework.
1. Utilization of Research Reactor
1.1. 99mTC Generator Production
Polymer Zirconium Compound (PZC) was successfully synthesized. As a result
obtained several hundred grams of PZC sample of good quality and high Molybdenum
adsorption capacity were prepared for 99mTc generator preparation. The comparison of
the performance of synthesized PZC with that supplied by Kaken Co. ( Japan) showed acoincided result on the Molybdenum adsorption performance.
A standard procedure for the preparation of PZC based 99mTc generator has
been formulated and compiled by Prof. Le Van So . This procedure was issued by Dr.
Sueo Machi and Dr. Tsuguo Genka and dispatched to FNCA’s participants forstandardization of experimental work.
An effective PZC column loading technique was successfully developed. This is1called a “ Cold loading technique”. This technique offer an opportunity to simplify theprocedure of PZC based Tc-99m generator preparation and to follow suit a commonly
accepted fission 99Mo and Alumina based Tc-99m generator technology.
1.2. Application of Neutron Activation Analysis+ The air pollution study
During 2002, the airborne particulate samples were collected using two types ofpolycarbonate membrane filter PM2.5 and PM2.5-10 in two typical sites of industrial(Ho Chi Minh City) and rural (Dateh) regions in the south of Viet Nam. The
concentration of trace elements in the samples has been determined by the k0-NAA
procedure developed in Da Lat NRI. In order to check the developed k0-NAA
procedure for the airborne particulate matters, two standard reference materials (SRMs)
Urban Particulate NIST-1648 and Vehicle Exhaust Particulate NIES-8 were analyzed
and the obtained results have been compared and interpreted in term of deviation
between experimental results and the certified values.
However, the meteorological data in the sampling site of rural region (Dateh)
has not been available yet. We have contacted to the meteorological agency in Viet
Nam, but it was not successful. This problem will be solved in the next year because weare initiating a new national project for investigation of air pollution in Viet Nam.
+ The QA/QC
The quality management for analytical laboratories has been implemented at the
Da Lat NRI. At the moment, two typical laboratories for nuclear analytical techniques(NATs), i.e. laboratories for INAA and Environmental Research-Monitoring have been
selected to aim at getting the accreditation. The procedures, techniques and instructions
have been documented, however they have not yet been combined in a quality manual.
The laboratories are expected to receive accreditation for their quality system forcompliance with the accreditation criteria of TCVN ISO/IEC 17025 national standard(equivalent to ISO/IEC 17025 international standard) in the next two years (end of2005).
In order to evaluate uncertainties involved in analyzing a small size of sample
like airborne particulate matters, a small-sized sample was analyzed repeatedly. For thispurpose, 1 mg of two SRM samples (NIST 1632C and NIES No.8) was analyzed for six
times. Both of the k0 -NAA and the relative methods were applied. Also, the impurities
in filter papers were evaluated.
+ The development and application of ko-NAA
The analysis of airborne particulate matters by the k0 -NAA method based-on the
Ko-DALAT software has been carried out.
During 2003, the k0 -NAA method including the use of Ko-DALAT software
was trained for all staffs of INAA laboratory at the Da Lat NRI. Also, through an expert
mission (Mr. Ho Manh Dung) invited by MINT, the k0 -NAA methodology developed at
Da Lat was introduced to the NAA laboratory in MINT (Malaysia).
+ Others
The INAA technique has been applied for determination of multi-element invarious sample objects such as crude oil, base rock, human hair and sediment, etc.
Characteristics of the PGNAA facility at the Da Lat reactor have been improved.

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+ Future plan on NAA
The INAA technique should be applied for the solid waste samples.
The prompt gamma-ray NAA (PGA) system should be developed and applied
for the practical objects.
1.3. Neutron Beam Application and Research Reactor Operation
Research of structure-properties of water-soluble copolymer for oil field
application.
Structural study of TPE on the basis of NR and Methyl- methacrylate,
Polyethylene and Polypropylene.
Reactor management including fuel burn- up calculation, reactor physics andthermo- hydraulic study, as well as reactor aging management.
2. Application of Radioisotopes and Radiation for Agriculture
The activities of this FNCA project have been integrated with the IAEA Project
VIE/5/014: “Mutant rice varieties for saline acid soil tolerant”, which purpose is tofurther develop and extend advanced mutant varieties and mutant germplasms of rice inViet Nam. The research activities have been being carried out at the Agricultural
Genetics Institute and Cuu Long Delta Rice Research Institute.
In addition to the National training course on “Maker-assisted selection and
DNA fingerprinting in rice”, many training courses for extension of new varieties were
held in locations, where demonstration fields for CM6, DT21, Mutant Tamthom andothers have been cultivated.
Under the FNCA framework, the 2003 FNCA Workshop on Application of
nuclear technique for bio-fertilizer production was successfully organized in Viet Nam,
October 2003.
For the next cycle 2005-2006, an IAEA TC Project on Enhancement of Quality
and Yield of Rice Mutants in Vietnam Using Nuclear and Related Techniques has been
proposed.
3. Application of Radioisotopes and Radiation for Medical Use
Recently, Viet Nam has been investing to equip modern nuclear techniques andfacilities to the hospitals. It may be mentioned that, considering the significant role ofnuclear medicine diagnostics and radiotherapy in the national health plans, theGovernment of Vietnam has approved the establishment of a Medical Hi-tech Centerwith the provision of the first PET-Cyclotron System in the Country. In order to support
to the Center, a proposed national project on Establishment of Cyclotron Center for
medical use and development of nuclear technique application is being formulated withthe participation of the VAEC, the Tran Hung Dao hospital, Institute of Physics, Ha noi
University of Technology, and Ha Noi Science University. Besides, VAEC has
proposed IAEA to approve a TC project on PET-Cyclotron for the cycle 2005-2006.
At present, there are on- going projects, such as: RAS/6/035: LDR and HDR
Brachytherapy in Treating Cervical Cancer, which is being carried out at the KHospital and the Oncology Center in Ho Chi Minh City and two national projects:
Concurrent Chemo-Radiotherapy for Uterine Cervix Cancer and Concurrent ChemoRadiotherapy for Nasophryngcal Carcinoma.

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4. Public Information of Nuclear Energy
Having perceived the extremely important role of public information andpropaganda for the public acceptance and consensus to the nuclear power development,
in 2003, many PI activities have been carried out in Viet Nam.
Follow- up three exhibitions on peaceful uses of nuclear energy in 2001 and
2002, the 4th exhibition on peaceful uses of nuclear power was held in Ho Chi Minh
City in April 2003 with supports of the JAIF and JCI of Japan.
October 2003, the VAEC participated in the Viet Nam Tech Mart 2003 in Ha
Noi. The VAEC pavilion had received thousands visitors. Through the exhibition,
VAEC has taken a good opportunity to propagate to the public the benefits of thenuclear technique applications in the fields of agriculture, industry, health care,environment protection,...
March 2003, a delegation of Steering Committee for study on Nuclear Power
Development in Viet Nam has paid a visit to the nuclear installations in Korea andJapan
September 2003, a delegation of the organizations of the Communist Party ofViet Nam (CPV) visited Japan to study nuclear power development of Japan under theinvitation of the Japan Atomic Industrial Forum, Inc. (JAIF).
October 2003, a delegation from MOST and VAEC paid a two-week scientificvisit to France in order to study the nuclear power development and nuclear - related
technologies of France.
The 2003 FNCA Public Information Project Leaders Meeting was held in Ha
Noi and Ho Chi Minh City November 4-6, 2003. During the Meeting, the two seminars
on Strategy on Public Information for Nuclear Power Development in Ha Noi andApplication of Radiation Technology in Industry in Ho Chi Minh City were held
successfully with participation of the policy makers, scientists, professors, students, andjournalists and correspondents. The mass media, such as Viet Nam Television (VTV),
Voice of Viet Nam (VOV) and newspapers informed of those events, including VTV’s
broadcasting of interview with Dr. Sueo Machi, FNCA Coordinator of Japan.
It is noted that the PI activities have contributed to increasing awareness of the
public towards the necessity and benefit of the development and utilization of nuclear
energy, especially, the introduction of nuclear power in Viet Nam.
5. Radioactive Waste Management
Institute for Technology of Radioactive and Rare Elements (ITRRE) has
responsibility for treatment and management all kinds of radwaste in the North of Viet
Nam. At present, about 130 tons of LLRW, including uranium ores, uranium tailing,
waste from monazite processing and research activities in ITRRE accumulated from1981, have been being treated. This activity will be completed by the end of 2003 andhas been kept at the ITRRE’s interim storage in Phung, Ha Tay province.
In addition, many sealed sources have been being used in industries. After their
expiration, they become radioactive wastes. Statistical data on the distribution ofradioactive sources in Viet Nam are as follows:
There are 739 sources distributed in 17 among 39 provinces of the country
classified by fields of applications as follows:
Health care:

411 sources,

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(56%)

Industries:

201 sources,(27%)

Others:

127 sources,(17%)

Among them only 210 sources are still in use and under close management; Theremaining more than 500 sources are actually expired. They are considered radwaste
and kept in stores of the users. They should be collected and managed at radwaste
processing facility.
With the aim of the enhancing capability on RWM, in addition to the on- going
MOST project on upgrading Phung interim storage, treatment and management for all
radioactive wastes in this storage, VAEC is planning to formulate a new IAEA TC
project on RWM for the cycle 2005-2006.
Implementation of the 2003 FNCA plan, from 24-29 July 2003, the TENORM
Task Group of FNCA had completed his mission in Viet Nam, the discussion on
TENORM show that, some NORM/TENORM industries should be a target of radiation
protection. But their origin of radioisotopes is natural. Therefore, the criteria or standard
should be different from that of artificial source. Too strict regulation will cause muchsocial and economical confusion.
The co-operation in the field of RWM was implemented through the exchangesof experiences, training personnel and the consultancy in setting- up the National Policy
for RWM between Vietnamese experts and experts from IAEA, Japan, Korea andFNCA.
6. Human Resource Development
The crucial problems and obstacles on nuclear human resource development
facing by Viet Nam are the shortage of nuclear manpower in terms of quantity andquality. There exist, at present, a big gap between scientific researcher generations.
Recognizing the vital importance of human resource development, thegovernment of Viet Nam had assigned VAEC and IE to conduct studies to establish a
policy and plan for preparation manpower for atomic energy development, in general,and the introduction of nuclear power in Viet Nam, in particular.
At present, VAEC has established cooperation with 4 universities (Ha Noi
University of Technology, Ha Noi University of Science, Ho Chi Minh City Universityof Science, DaLat University) in the field of nuclear student training. Through theinternational cooperation channels (IAEA, RCA, FNCA, bilateral), every year, about150-200 scientific researchers and nuclear administrators have been trained abroad.
VAEC is implementing a policy to recruit excellent students and give themfavourable conditions for continuously studying at the oversea training centers.
From December 8-12, 2003 a Regional Asia Workshop on Management of
Human Resources for NPP Operating Organizations (RAS-4-021) will be held in Ha
Noi under co-sponsors of the VAEC and IAEA. 25 experts and participants from IAEA,
China, Egypt, India, Korea, Pakistan, and Viet Nam will attend the Workshop. This is
an important and useful event for Viet Nam - a developing country is considering tochoose nuclear power.
7. Nuclear Safety Culture
Lectures on safety culture were presented in 10 training courses on radiation
safety organized in the whole country with 450 participants in total.

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Several meetings between regulators, contractors, reactor management andreactor users have been held to discuss aspects affected nuclear safety of Da Lat Nuclear
Research Reactor (DNRR).
Studies on the social and human conditions of Viet Nam with respect to the
management and operation of NPPs in the near future have been carried out.
The 6th FNCA Workshop on Nuclear Safety Culture was he ld in Da Lat, Viet
Nam January 2003. The Workshop and Peer-Review were very useful for fostering andstrengthening safety culture for Viet Nam.
In 2003, two Workshops on Nuclear Safety Culture were organized in Ha Noi
under the framework of MOST’s Project on Elucidation of 7 aspects related to the
nuclear power development in Viet Nam.
8. Application of Electron Accelerator
Market survey on product types and quantities, which could be processed by
gamma irradiator and by EB machine in the fields of industry and health care, has been
being conducted by the Research and Development Center for Radiation Technology(VINAGAMMA). In addition, some studies on liquid materials processed by gamma
and electron irradiation for development of some agricultural products such as plant
promoters, protectors, etc. has been conducted under the cooperation between Viet Nam
and Japan.
VAEC is considering a project on installation of EB machine at the
VINAGAMMA. This plan is supported by IAEA through a TC Project in the cyc le
2005-2006.
Conclusion
Nuclear science and technology has been playing a very important role andcontinuously making significant contribution to the socio-economic development of thecountries in region.
We highly appreciate the very important role and significant contribution of the
FNCA to the safe peaceful nuclear energy utilization in the world, as well as in the
Asian region.
Viet Nam has the great honour to host the 5th FNCA Ministerial Level Meeting
to be held in 2004. The Government of Viet Nam commits to give every necessary
condition and closely cooperate with Japan and the other FNCA member countries, toensure the fruitful success of the Meeting.

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