The ninth National Conference o­n Nuclear Science and Technology opened in the central coastal province of Ninh Thuan. The two-day event is being jointly held by the Vietnam Atomic Energy Society, the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute (VAEI) and the Ninh Thuan provincial Department of Science and Technology. Along with 250 scientists and 40 organisations at home, the event saw the participation of 20 scientists and managers from Russia , Japan , Bulgaria , Germany , France and the US , which have actively contributed to nuclear power development in Vietnam . The event aims to release and exchange outcomes of the research and application of nuclear science and technology in Vietnam during the 2009-2011 period while mapping out targets and orientations for the sector between now and 2013. It also offers a chance for domestic and foreign participants to discuss issues regarding the implementation of a nuclear power project in Ninh Thuan province, legal foundation for the building of a nuclear plant in Vietnam and a new research centre of the VAEI. VAEI Director Vuong Huu Tan said Vietnam has seen significant progresses in the research, development and application of atomic energy since the eighth national conference two years ago. He commented a number of projects, including the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project which was ratified by the National Assembly o­n October 25, 2009, a master plan o­n atomic energy application for peaceful purposes by 2020 and a master plan o­n the application of radiation in agriculture, industry and natural resources and environment. Basically, a number of important legal documents giving guidelines for the development of the atomic energy sector has been issued over the past two years, he said, adding that such documents have created a firm foundation for ministries, branches, localities and enterprises to invest in atomic energy to serve socio-economic development.