Minister of Industry and Trade Lukáš Vlček met with Dr. Jooho Whang, President and CEO of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP). The main topic was the finalisation of the EPC contract, the involvement of Czech companies in the historic project and mutual cooperation.
"Czech companies have cutting-edge technologies and expertise. We want them to be involved in the project from the beginning and to have the highest possible share in its implementation. Localisation is a key issue for the Czech Republic and we expect further concrete steps before the EPC contract is signed," says the Minister of Industry and Trade Lukáš Vlček saying that everything is on schedule regarding the contract. "We do not expect the signing between the investor and KNHP to take place before the end of March," adds the Minister.
The meeting also discussed KHNP's recent agreement with Westinghouse, which represents an important step not only for the Dukovany project but also for wider cooperation in Europe. "Running the long route to a new nuclear source, where many obstacles await us, is about overcoming one of them and removing a potential risk," says Minister Vlček. "We have been assured by the Korean side that the results of these agreements should not have negative impacts on the project schedule and budget or on the expected involvement of domestic companies," added the Minister.
The meeting also focused on broader opportunities for cooperation between the Czech Republic and Korea, including localisation, education, research, development and human resources. Last year, the Czech delegation met with Korean partners and discussed ways to expand this cooperation.
Further discussions between MIT and KHNP will continue to support the project and related activities, to specify the scope of cooperation and to ensure effective transfer of technology and know-how to Czech industry. Minister Vlček also plans to travel to Korea and meet with political representatives and KHNP representatives in the near future.
MIT/ gnews - RoZ
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