The Philippines and the United States look to sign the agreement allowing US nuclear technology entry into the country by the end of the year.
US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said that the nuclear negotiations between both countries had progressed since Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit last November 2022, with about 90% of the agreement completed.
“It is a very complex agreement, but both sides from the Philippines and the United States have really rolled up their sleeves and gotten down to business and have made great progress,” said Carlson.
The 123 Agreement would serve as the foundation for the civil nuclear partnership and permit exporting of US nuclear fuel, equipment, reactors, and special nuclear material to the country.
The Ambassador further explained that numerous nuclear firms expressed their interest in investing but could not do so because of a lack of agreement.
“As soon as that agreement is signed, then our private sector companies can work facilitated by both governments and sort of help put them together,” Carlson added.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said that with the country experiencing a power deficit, the support offered by NuScale would help address this issue.
