Russian Rosatom and Vietnam's Atomic Energy Institute (VINATOM) might sign a contract to construct a center for nuclear science and technologies in Dong Nai, Vietnam, according to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko. 

If the deal goes through, the center is expected to be constructed in June 2023.   

Chernyshenko said on Friday, "We view the institute as a promising partner... to build a center for nuclear science and technologies at a state-of-the-art research reactor in  Dong Nai alongside Rosatom. A Russian contractor is currently preparing a tender offer.”

Cherynshenko suggested that the involved parties set “a joint date for signing the contract.” 

The Russian official hopes that the tender offer will open on April 18, and believes that Rosatom will be ready to sign the contract in a timely fashion that pleases both countries.

First President Ho Chi Minh is scheduled to visit St. Petersburg on June 30, in which a monument will be erected to commemorate the event. Chernyshensko pointed to that date as the perfect time to sign the nuclear contract, describing it as “symbolic”.

Furthermore, the Russian official revealed that the site for the nuclear center has already been selected. Other details of the process were determined such as its configuration and the sources of funding. A preliminary study for the feasibility of the project has been approved.

Issues related to the mutual settlements with Russian contractors remain unresolved. These problems arise from the Western sanctions imposed on Russian individuals and companies which reached their largest portions after the beginning of the Russian special military operation in Ukraine.

VINATOM President Tran Chi Thanh said that the Vietnamese side will attempt to conclude the details of the contract by the specified date.

Countries around the world have expressed interest in establishing agencies that specialize in nuclear science and technology that would develop their industrial and agricultural sectors. 

In late January, the President of Rosatom Latin America revealed to sources that Central American and Caribbean states showed interest in cooperating with Rosatom to establish such institutes in their countries.

Rosatom has already undertaken the development of a project in Bolivia. Dybov said that the nuclear science and technology facility in Bolivia will serve as a reference to other states once it is commercially launched. He also pointed to the ability of Rosatom to ‘sharpen’ their projects to fit the specific needs of each country, whether it be aimed at agricultural or medical research.

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