Vietnam's Ministry of Science and Technology and Canada's Saskatchewan Province Strengthen Cooperation on Peaceful Use of Nuclear Technology

Vietnam and Canada's Saskatchewan Province are cooperating on the peaceful use of nuclear technology. Officials from both sides met in Hanoi on August 5, 2026, to discuss directions for cooperation in science, technology, and innovation, particularly in advanced nuclear technology. The Vietnamese side stated that as Vietnam's energy demand grows, ensuring a stable, green, and clean energy supply is of paramount importance, expressing strong interest in research on small modular reactors (SMRs) as well as CANDU reactor technology.

During the meeting, both sides discussed strengthening cooperation among regulatory agencies, legal departments, and research organizations in the nuclear technology field, covering multiple aspects such as legal framework development, technical standards, nuclear safety and safeguards assessment licensing, accident response, and spent fuel and radioactive waste management. Vietnam also expressed the hope that Saskatchewan Province would support talent development through expert exchange programs, connections between universities and research institutions, and enhanced training.

The representative from Saskatchewan Province, Canada, stated that the province possesses abundant uranium ore resources, has advanced nuclear safety management experience, and focuses on developing an education and R&D ecosystem involving universities, research centers, and technology companies. Both sides expressed willingness to become long-term partners in jointly advancing scientific research, education, and the development of nuclear energy, particularly in the peaceful use of nuclear technology.

In addition to nuclear technology, Vietnam and Saskatchewan Province also explored cooperation opportunities in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), mineral resource processing, as well as technology transfer and commercialization. Both sides agreed to jointly study and draft a memorandum of understanding between Vietnam's Ministry of Science and Technology and the Government of Saskatchewan, focusing on the peaceful use of nuclear technology, CCUS, mineral resource processing, talent development, innovation, and green growth.