The United States has expressed commitment to support the development of the Philippines’ nuclear sector.
This was expressed by US ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson in her remarks at the Philippine International Civil Nuclear Supply Chain Forum in Quezon City on Wednesday.
The forum was attended by representatives from 16 American companies representing all parts of the nuclear supply chain.
Carlson said these companies are “eager to explore trade and investment opportunities that support Philippine energy needs.”
Carlson also announced the US Trade Development Agency will organize a reverse trade mission of Philippine private sector representatives to the US next year to see and experience state-of-the-art technologies across the civil nuclear energy value chain.
She said the US Agency for International Development is working with the Department of Energy on many fronts, including to help implement a comprehensive nuclear energy policy.
She said the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission is assisting in the establishment of an independent nuclear regulatory body, and the US Department of Energy and its national labs have conducted over 25 workshops in the Philippines to promote nuclear safety, security, and safeguards.
Carlson also said the Philippine-American Education Foundation, or PAEF, also known as Fulbright Philippines. has committed its first $100,000 to fund scholarships for Filipinos pursuing studies that will directly benefit the country’s nuclear sector. These scholars will have the chance to attend top US technical and engineering programs, tapping into the full range of resources that Fulbright offers.
“The United States is committed to collaborating with the Philippines to create the regulatory environment that supports sectoral growth,” Carlson said.
