President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Saturday inaugurated a heavy water plant in this central provincial capital [Arak].

The president inspected various units of the plant and unveiled a memorial tablet.

Except for Iran, only eight countries have mastered the technology for producing a product of this kind.

Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) chief Gholam-Reza Aqazadeh and his deputy for international affairs, Mohammad Saeedi, accompanied the president at the inauguraal ceremony.

Construction work om the plant began in 1998.

The plant can function for various purposes including treatment of cancer and AIDS. The heavy water produced can also be used as a cooling fluid for nuclear reactors.

Heavy water is 10 percent heavier than ordinary water.

Talking to reporters, Saeedi said the plant significantly raises the scientific and academic capability of the country's domestic industries and shows the improved technical and specialized skill of Iranian experts.