October 31, 2010

1. The “Japan-Viet Nam Joint Statement on the Comprehensive Development of Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia” was announced today in accordance with the agreement reached at the Japan-Viet Nam summit meeting between Prime Minister Naoto Kan and Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung in Hanoi, Viet Nam. The Joint Statement stipulates that the Vietnamese government has chosen Japan as its partner for building the nuclear power plant (second site) planned in Ninh Thuan Province in the southern region of Viet Nam.

2. The selection of Japan as its partner is attributable to the fact that the Vietnamese side highly values the long-standing cooperative relationship between Japan and Viet Nam, as well as the strong commitment to this nuclear project by both the private and public sectors of Japan. To ensure steady progress in the implementation of the project, Japan will utilize the advanced technologies and experience it possesses in the field of nuclear power generation, and conduct coordinated public and private efforts to ensure smooth collaboration. As the minister in charge, I will devote all my energies to this project.

3. In consideration of the above goals, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) will coordinate with the Vietnamese side in order to  facilitate the prompt commencement of a nuclear power generation feasibility study to be jointly performed by the Japan Atomic Power Company and Vietnam Electricity (EVN), and accelerate specific discussions on the construction, operation, and maintenance of the nuclear power plant between EVN and the recently established International Nuclear Energy Development of Japan Co., Ltd.

4. Together with related ministries, METI will do its utmost to cooperate in training of human resources and establishing safety regulations and other necessary frameworks in Viet Nam.

Nuclear Energy Policy Planning Division, Electricity and Gas Industry Department, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy