Prime Minister suggests France join nuclear power projects in Viet Nam

Pham made the above statement during his reception for French Ambassador to Viet Nam Olivier Brochet and EDF's Senior VP Government and International Affairs Erkki Maillard in Ha Noi on March 12.

Pham said, Viet Nam has restarted the investment plan for the Ninh Thuan 1 and Ninh Thuan 2 nuclear power plants in the central province of Ninh Thuan, adding that Viet Nam will prioritize choosing partners who can commit to joining Vietnamese investors in technology transfer during the development of nuclear power in the country.

The Prime Minister urged France and EDF, in particular, to help Viet Nam develop policies and mechanisms for nuclear power development.

He suggested exploring cooperation in training human resources, providing preferential funding for nuclear power projects in Viet Nam, and investing in the production of electrical equipment and support industries serving nuclear energy development in the country.

Ambassador Brochet said, EDF is a multinational energy group operating in the fields of energy production, transmission, distribution, business, and services.

It has cooperated effectively in Viet Nam through projects such as the Phu My 2 thermal power plant and Son My 1 power plant.

France and EDF expect to continue expanding cooperation and investment in Viet Nam in energy sector, in line with the Viet Nam-France comprehensive strategic partnership, especially in fostering the development of renewable energy projects.

The same day, at the meeting between Prime Minister Pham and Vice-President of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Nicola Beer, he proposed the bank and Viet Nam sign a new-generation official development assistance (ODA) agreement with a larger financial scale, more preferential interest rates, simpler procedures, and less stringent conditions.

This can not only provide financing for the public sector, but also support financial access for the private sector, he emphasized.

He called on the bank continue to provide funding for Viet Nam and support the country in mobilizing capital sources, while offering preferential financial packages for energy transition and large-scale strategic infrastructure development projects, including transportation, healthcare, and education infrastructure.

He also urged the EIB to provide more assistance in establishing and operating international financial centers in Viet Nam.

Pham suggested the EIB share its expertise in mobilizing green financial resources, building preferential mechanisms and innovative financial solutions to facilitate renewable energy projects, emissions reduction, and climate adaptation.

Beer, for her part, reaffirmed the bank's readiness to support Viet Nam in developing financial centers, transferring advanced technology, and training human resources as proposed by the Prime Minister./.