The workshop was initiated by the Paraguayan side and supported by the Russian Embassy in Republic of Paraguay, the National University Asuncion (UNA) and the Radiologic and Nuclear Regulatory Agency (ARRN). The seminar took place in the National University of Asuncion (UNA), with participation of the deans of the Quimistry Sciences and Natural and Exact Sciences faculties, within the framework of a Memorandun of Understanding signed between ROSATOM and ARRN on the peaceful use of atomic energy, signed in October 2016. Workshop brought together Russian and national experts on a public debate focused on non-energy means and benefits that nuclear technologies brings to medicine, industry, agriculture and many others. The seminar attracted more than 110 attendees.

Ivan Dybov, President of Rosatom America Latina: “We are very pleased to see that the workshop brought together a lot of industry experts, students, managers of state-owned companies, and private businesses. The discussion was centered on the use of nuclear technologies in research, medicine and agriculture, with special attention paid to the national nuclear infrastructure development, staff training and improvement of public awareness. Paraguay is very much interested in the development of nuclear medicine, which is now available only abroad, for example, in Brazil. As an exporter of agricultural products, Paraguay is also interested in irradiation technologies essential for boosting exports, for instance, to Europe or the USA. At the seminar, Rosatom presented specific solutions in these fields. Its comprehensive approach was presented by RAOS, while the Research Institute of Applied Physics and Automation delivered informative reports. Rosatom’s relations with Paraguay keep developing. We signed a memorandum of understanding last year and plan to arrive at new agreements in the near future”.

The Economic Adviser of the Embasy of Russian Federation in the Republic of Paraguay, Igor Varlamov, opened the event with the greeting words. In his speech, the Vice Consul positively estimated and expressed confidence in the progress of this ongoing cooperation on the peaceful uses of atomic energy. “I believe that cooperation in nuclear sphere established by the MoU signed last year is very fruitful for both and this seminar is next step to success”, he stated. From Paraguayan side, opening remarks were delivered by representatives of the main nuclear institutions of the country, including Gustavo Cazal, from the Ministry of Energy and Mines, and the Executive-Secretary Minister of ARRN, César José Cardozo Román.

In his speech, the Minister Cardozo Román expressed his gratitude to the organizers and all antendees, many of them students from UNA, besides offering a brief nuclear background, as well as brief panorama on the current situation of Paraguayan nuclear industry. He highlighted that application of nuclear technologies in medicine and agricultural business becomes highly required. “Nowadays we depend on our neighboring countries in radiotherapy diagnostics and treatment. The growing demand of such services cannot be fulfilled in Paraguay so we are very interested in modern solutions that nuclear technologies provide. As our country is one of the centers of tourism medicine, these solutions can increase variability of services we provide and even attract patients from other countries to get treatment here”, he stated. Cardozo Román also noticed that Paraguay faces limitations in products exports thanks to the global exigency for safe products. “We have a great export potential of products derived from the agro, but today, we can’t consider market of European countries or the United States, because following strict safety regulations they require irradiation to be executed before entering products. So the calling for applications of nuclear technologies is made by business reasons”, he added.

Dr. Inocencia Peralta, President of the National Atomic Energy Comission of Paraguay (CNEA), presented a report on main characteristics of national atomic programme and perspectives in construction of new Nuclear Research and Technology Center (NRTC) in the country, which counts, since 2014, with an unique authority on the topic of ionizing radiations (ARRN), besides the country’s demand for training, research and monitoring. “Despite the fact that the regulatory framework have allowed a significant development for the country in the nulcear sphere, there are still much to be developed, mainly in terms of technology incorporation, creation of a center of excellence in the country, personnel training, science and training centers distribution around the country”, afirmed Dr. Peralta.

From ROSATOM’s side, several presentations were made by representatives of leading companies in Russian nuclear industry such as Rosatom Overseas, Uranium One, Isotope, Rusatom International Network (including its LATAM office) and JSC “NIIFTA”. Russian side presented Rosatom’s large experience in application and development of radiation technologies and solutions in wide range of spheres. Among presentations there were reports on ROSATOM ‘s integrated offer for the construction of NRTCs and approach on the creation and development of the nuclear energy infrastructure, the newest solutions used by ROSATOM in nuclear technologies in medicine and the wide range of products offered, construction of multi-functional facilities for radiation processing of food and medical products, from which the countries can experience economic benefits and improvement of the population’s health, isotopes supply with application in industry and medicine, natural uranium production, radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel management, decommissioning. In addition, they presented HR solution and solutions in ensuring public acceptance of nuclear technologies carried out by Rosatom and based on best international and its own expertise.

FOR REFERENCE

On 18 October, 2016, the Radiological and Nuclear Regulatory Authority of Paraguay and ROSATOM signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in peaceful uses of atomic energy. The document was signed by Eladio Loizaga, Minister of Foreign Affairs, from the Paraguayan side, and Nikolay Spassky, Deputy CEO of ROSATOM, from the Russian side. The signing ceremony was attended by Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. The Memorandum is the first document relating to peaceful uses of atomic energy that has been signed between the two countries. The document constitutes the basis for the bilateral cooperation between Paraguay and Russia in a number of areas including the application of radioisotopes and radiation technology in industry, medicine, agriculture, etc.; assistance in creation and development of the nuclear power infrastructure in Paraguay; nuclear and radiation safety, and security; development of programs aimed at raising the public awareness about nuclear technologies and their applications, including organization of corresponding information centers, etc.