There are several areas in which national competence needs to be devel­oped to be able to service the NPP for its proper upkeep during the longer — term operation and for future expansion of the nuclear power programme in the country. The longer-term operation would include possible extension of operation beyond the initially licensed operating period. In addition to building national technical capabilities in the major areas described in Section 7.7, other important areas for managing the nuclear power pro­gramme in the longer term are building human resources, developing tech­nical support organizations, developing national safety standards and engaging in international cooperation.