Qian Zhimin, president of China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), visited Sweden and Cambodia from Aug 25 to 30, aiming to expand the market for nuclear products in countries from Europe to Southeast Asia. 

Qian met Say Chhum, president of the Senate of Cambodia, and introduced CNNC’s charity work in Cambodia, including the company’s assistance in helping drill wells for water. Qian hopes to undertake further engineering work once the first stage is complete.

Qian pointed out that CNNC will support Cambodia to apply nuclear technologies in the sectors of industry, agriculture and medical science, thus developing its economy and improving people’s welfare. Cambodia can start by training workers, promoting new energy exploitation and infrastructure construction, and increasing its capabilities in scientific research and industrial manufacturing, achieving its long-term goal of the peaceful utilization of nuclear energy, Qian suggested. 

Say Chhum praised the well-drilling project conducted by CNNC who built 157 wells within 50 days, with an acceptability rate of 80 percent. Chhum expressed his appreciation for the technical strengths and corporate accountability of the CNNC crew, and he urged the relevant Cambodian department to enhance communication, and discuss mutually beneficial collaborations in the application of nuclear technology, staff training, environmental assessment, and infrastructure construction. 

In Sweden, Qian and Mikael MONONEN, CEO of Swedish energy giant STUDSVIK, signed a memorandum of understanding, and expressed their intentions to cooperate in the field of nuclear technology. Qian inspected the underground laboratory of Swedish ASPO, entering a 460-meter-deep well to learn about experimental methods for high-level waste (HLW) disposal. 

CNNC and Sweden conduct technical research and cooperation in HLW disposal, jointly driving the sustainable development of the global nuclear industry, claimed Qian. Qian also delivered a work report to Gui Congyou, China’s ambassador to Sweden.