Vietnam is strengthening its capacity to respond to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) risks as part of the European Union-funded “Centres of Excellence for CBRN Risk Mitigation” initiative. The Vietnam Agency for Radiation and Nuclear Safety, represented by Deputy Director Pham Van Toan, highlighted the country’s active participation in 22 regional projects since 2011.
Among the most significant efforts is Project 98, currently underway, which focuses on enhancing medical emergency response in CBRN scenarios. The project includes joint simulation exercises between Vietnam and Cambodia and aims to establish a trilateral cooperation mechanism with Laos.
Additionally, Project 81 – launched in 2020 – has recently been completed, achieving improvements in national biosafety and laboratory management, with support from international experts. These initiatives are part of a broader Southeast Asian strategy to prevent and manage CBRN incidents, strengthen operational readiness, and fulfill international non-proliferation commitments.
Massimo Serresi
