Nuclear Labs boss hopes for Japan trade boost
THE boss of National Nuclear Laboratory, the Warrington-based nuclear technology services provider, is hoping that trade links with Japan have been strengthened by the Prime Minister’s visit last week.
Paul Howarth was part of the business delegation which accompanied David Cameron to Japan ;ast week.
During the visit UK and Japanese officials agreed and signed a Framework on Civil Nuclear Cooperation, providing the basis for UK companies to engage in multi-billion pound decommissioning opportunities in Japan.
Separately the UK Nuclear Industry Association and the Japan Atomic Industrial Forum signed a Memorandum of Understanding to further industrial collaboration between companies from the UK and Japan.
Mr Howarth said: “There is clearly a huge opportunity ahead for the UK and Japan to work together to address nuclear challenges across the sector – including the areas of new nuclear build, waste management and decommissioning.
“Development and deployment of technology can have a major impact on our collective ability to meet those challenges and take full advantage of the opportunities ahead.”
NNL already has good links to Japan – one of its experts is currently seconded to the British Embassy in Tokyo, as First Secretary – Nuclear, to provide technical advice and support to the ongoing efforts arising from last year’s incidents at Fukushima.
He added: “I hope that this visit will help to strengthen our existing ties with Japan and to foster new ones.”
