Rosatom and Bolivia’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Energy signed in October this year a memorandum of understanding and cooperation in peaceful uses of nuclear power. The memorandum provides for Russia’s assistance in the establishment of the nuclear research center in Bolivia. President Evo Morales and other Bolivian officials visited the site selected for the nuclear research center in the city of El Alto.

Luis Sanchez explained during the visit that the nuclear research center would have three departments – a cyclotron and radiopharmaceutical center, a multi-purpose gamma irradiation facility and a research reactor. He added they would facilitate the development of health care, agriculture, environmental research and the mining industry in Bolivia. “This will be a huge leap forward. Bolivia is a regional leader in terms of economic growth, gas and power exports, and we focus on developing science,” the Minister is quoted as saying by local media. In his turn, President Morales hoped that the kick-off date of the nuclear center construction would be approved in the spring of 2016. Mr. Morales stressed that the nuclear research center would pose no threat to the environment or local communities. Morales acclaimed Rosatom for its involvement in this nationally important project. According to Sanchez, much work has been done in association with Rosatom’s regional office Rosatom America Latina in drafting the memorandum, which lays a solid foundation for the joint project.