Vietnam works to enhance capacity in response to biological, chemical, nuclear risks
Under the European Union (EU)’s global initiative on Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence (CoE), Vietnam has implemented numerous projects aimed at strengthening national capacity in detecting, preventing, and preparing for CBRN-related threats.
A radiation and nuclear incident response drill held in Hanoi in 2023. (Photo: qdnd.vn)
Hanoi (VNA) –🐻 Under the European Union (EU)’s global initiative on Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence (CoE), Vietnam has implemented numerous projects aimed at strengthening national capacity in detecting, preventing, and preparing for CBRN-related threats.
According to Pham Van Toan, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Agency for Radiation and Nuclear Safety, who is also the country’s coordinator for the initiative, since becoming a member in 2011, Vietnam has consistently played an active and responsible role in regional projects.
As of 2025, Vietnam had participated in 22 component projects under the initiative in Southeast Asia. Among these, Project No. 98 focuses on enhancing emergency medical preparedness for CBRN incidents in the region. The programme is scheduled to run from 2025 to 2027.
Raquel Duarte Davidson, lead expert for Project No. 98, praised Vietnam’s proactive participation in these activities and noted that Project No. 98 aims to mitigate the impact on public health in the aftermath of emergencies.
Toan added that, under Project No. 98, Cambodia has proposed joint simulation exercises to improve preparedness for radiological and nuclear incidents, especially those with cross-border implications. These activities are expected to deepen cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia and help establish a trilateral coordination mechanism with Laos.
As part of Vietnam–US defence cooperation, on June 3, 2025 in Hanoi, the National Action Centre for Toxic Chemicals and Environmental Treatment (NACCET) and the On-Site Inspection and Building Capacity Directorate of the US Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) sign an administrative agreement on cooperation to strengthen capacity in responding to CBRN incidents. (Photo: binhchunghoahoc.vn)
To enhance biosecurity in the region, Vietnam completed Project No. 81 in the first quarter of 2025. John Jones, lead expert for Project No. 81, emphasised the strong collaboration that took place during the implementation period from 2020 to 2024. This collaboration ensured that the project activities were closely aligned with the needs of the beneficiary institutions.
Launched in 2010, this initiative aims to build networks for cooperation both regionally and inter-regionally to reduce the risk of CBRN incidents and enhance hazard management in member countries. It also supports the implementation of international commitments related to the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Currently, the initiative includes 64 member countries from eight regions around the world./.
The PM revealed Vietnam’s plan to develop nuclear power in the near future, and called on the Swedish side to assist Vietnam in developing and refining legal and policy frameworks for the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes; training and developing human resources; ensuring nuclear safety; and conducting training and drills to improve incident management capabilities.
The deal aims to strengthen Vietnam’s preparedness for non-traditional security threats, mitigate damage, and build resilience against potential chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear incidents.
Building upon the previous groundwork, local authorities are working with the projects' investors to review and adjust planning schemes, eyeing to complete land handover procedures at the end of December 2025.
The course aims to promote knowledge exchange between scientific and educational schools from different countries, while deepening participants’ expertise in modern technology and technical education. It comprises two main specialisations of electronics-automation and nuclear technology.
ANTARA and VNA can design global-scale cooperation programmes or joint media campaigns, demonstrating the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Indonesia, as well as the cooperation between the two national news agencies.
As Vietnam’s digital transformation accelerates, both the frequency and severity of cyberattacks are growing. The National Cybersecurity Association (NCA) reported that in 2024 alone, there were some 659,000 separate cybersecurity incidents, impacting around 46.15% of government agencies and businesses.
A key highlight will be the technology cluster pavilion, showcasing top enterprises selected for their innovation, market potential, and practical applications. These firms will display flagship products and solutions, supported by government policies to strengthen the tech sector.
Since 2022, more than 500 Vietnamese startups have engaged in Google’s Startup Academy, Google for Startups Accelerator, and Google Startup Masterclass. Nearly 100 of these firms received support to develop and improve their products, benefiting more than 300,000 customers and creating over 300 new jobs through successful fundraising and team expansion amidst Vietnam’s competitive economy.
Over the past three decades, Binh Duong has cemented its status as one of Vietnam’s most dynamic industrial hubs, building a robust foundation in manufacturing, exports, and investment. The province now has 30 operational industrial parks spanning over 13,000 hectares, with an occupancy rate exceeding 90%.
The diplomat emphasised that Vietnam places the highest priority on the development of science, technology, and innovation, viewing them as critical drivers for the country’s advancement in the new development era.
More than an art showcase, the second “Technology with heart” contest seeks to inspire innovation and spotlight the humanistic values that technology can bring into daily life, expected to contribute to a sustainable digital future.
The average speed of the national mobile broadband network remained stable, with download speeds reaching 76.86 Mbps and upload speeds reaching 26.98 Mbps.
Under the MoU, AMD will support several key initiatives spearheaded by HCM City’s authorities, including piloting policies, co-hosting innovation events, and evaluating the investment environment within the Saigon Hi-Tech Park.
The centre is a joint initiative between Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology, with PTIT and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) serving as co-leads, and global telecommunications giant Nokia as founding industry partner.
The new centre, staffed by a team of scientists, researchers, and AI specialists working in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, forms part of Qualcomm’s global AI research group.
As a flagship initiative of the community project “Digital Literacy for All”, the programme forms part of a national scheme to equip 20 million young people with digital business skills.
The organisers hope the competition will help shape a generation of exceptional engineers who will make significant contributions to Vietnam’s scientific and technological progress in this era of transformation.
In the digital age and amidst the Fourth Industrial Revolution, IP plays an increasingly critical role, not only in safeguarding inventions but also in reducing copyright infringement and curbing piracy.
Ambassador Nguyen Minh Vu laid stress on the significance of the Hanoi Convention, particularly to the Asia – Pacific, to handling legal gaps in international cooperation against rapidly increasing global cybercrime.
The week features a rich lineup of activities, including a plenary conference on blockchain and AI development, thematic seminars on future technology trends and investment visions, applications of blockchain and AI in business, the Super Vietnam PitchFest, as well as forums for blockchain and AI.
According to the Politburo’s Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, dated December 22, 2024, on making breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, this is considered a decisive factor in the development of nations. It is seen as a prerequisite and the best opportunity for Vietnam to become prosperous and powerful in the new era of the nation’s rise.
