THE PRIME MINISTER | SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM |
No. 604/QĐ-TTg | Hanoi, May 08, 2015 |
DECISION
APPROVING PLAN ON STRENGTHENING ASEAN TRANSPORT CONNECTIVITY TO 2020 WITH A VISION TO 2030
THE PRIME MINISTER
Pursuant to the Law on Government organization dated December 25, 2001;
Pursuant to Poliburo’s Resolution No. 22-NQ/TW dated April 10, 2013 on international integration;
Pursuant to the Government’s Resolution No. 31/NQ-CP dated May 13, 2014 promulgating the action plan in the implementation of Poliburo's 22-NQ/TW dated April 10, 2013 on international integration;
At the request of the Minister of Transport,
HEREBY DECIDE:
Article 1. Approving the plan on strengthening ASEAN transport connectivity to 2020 with a vision to 2030 (hereinafter referred to as the Plan) as follows:
I. VIEWPOINTS, OBJECTIVES AND TASKS
1. Viewpoints
a) In the spirit of Poliburo’s Resolution No. 22-NQ/TW on international integration, integration of transport sector must be implemented synchronously according to the overall strategy for international integration with the roadmap appropriate to actual conditions and capability of the country, facilitating economic integration and make a positive contribution toward economic development, strengthening national synergy, guaranteeing national defense and security and protection of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
b) Transport connectivity is part of the ASEAN Connectivity Master Plan toward the formation of ASEAN community with a long-term and sustainable vision on the basis of fulfillment of commitments, actively proposing initiatives and contributions to the construction and formation of common rules on the principles of promotion of roles and advantages of the country and the entire ASEAN community in the region and in the world; continue to further and effectively implement cooperation mechanism in which ASEAN plays a central role; reinforcing cooperation relationship with ASEAN partners, fostering peace, cooperation and development in the region.
c) Ensure unity between plans for ASEAN transport connectivity and sub-regional cooperation programs, especially Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS); Connect and integrate plans and roadmap for regional connectivity with national planning, plans for transport development, cross-border and inland connectivity;
dd) Make maximum exploitation of resources to strengthen connectivity; further Public-Private -Partnership for traffic infrastructure development projects; take advantage of aids from international organizations such as ADB, WB, JICA...as well as larger partners such as Japan, South Korea, Australia...for traffic infrastructure development, training and development of high-quality human resources; Strengthen participation of enterprises in ASEAN transport integration and connectivity;
2. Objectives
a) Fulfill commitments of Vietnam to ASEAN transport connectivity;
b) Promote the efficiency of connectivity for socio-economic development; guarantee national interests, and enhance advantages, roles and global competitiveness of Vietnam;
c) Integrate objectives of ASEAN transport connectivity with objectives set in the approved planning, plans and projects for transport sector;
3. Tasks
Take the initiative in the establishment and implementation of plans and objectives of ASEAN transport connectivity in post-2015 period on the basis of implementation and promotion of accomplishments in 2011 – 2015 periods;
a) Transport infrastructure connectivity
Fulfill road transport infrastructure connectivity (ASEAN road network) Focus efforts on the construction, renovation and connection of national routes under approved strategies and planning to guarantee completion of ASEAN road network in the territory of Vietnam in accordance with commitments in relevant international agreements;
Complete the construction of routes that are still missing in Kunming – Singapore Railway Line in the territory of Vietnam including Loc Ninh - Ho Chi Minh City section and Mu Gia - Tan Ap - Vung Ang section; Upgrade and modernize North – South Railway Line, study the construction of Lao Kai – Hanoi – Hai Phong Railway Line to link with China and railways leading to Lach Huyen Port, Hai Phong City;
Keep fulfilling objectives of ASEAN port network development; make proposals for adjustments and supplements to the list of ports in Vietnam in current list of ASEAN ports to suite economic situations and approved planning for port network development in Vietnam; implement the investment and completion of the expansion of Tien Sa Port – Phase 2 in 2020;
Improve capacity of inland waterway connectivity between Vietnam and Cambodia; Successfully serve as a leading coordinator in the establishment and implementation of ASEAN waterway network development master plan adopted by Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand;
Construct and upgrade international airports to meet demands for capability and service quality;
Adjust and supplement the list of dry ports in Vietnam that need developing to fit the list of ASEAN dry ports in accordance with approved planning for dry port network development; Establish and develop effective and environmentally friendly ASEAN logistics, multimodal transport system; Develop dry port network and ASEAN logistics, goods & services distribution center;
b) Transport connectivity
Take part in the development and integration in ASEAN air and marine transport markets; establish effective connectivity between waterway, railway and multimodal transports in ASEAN;
Carry out effective implementation of the ASEAN Framework Agreement on the facilitation of goods in transit, the ASEAN Framework Agreement on the Facilitation of Transnational Transport, and the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Multimodal Transport;
Complete signing and execution of the ASEAN Framework Agreement on the Facilitation of Cross-border Transport of Passengers by Road;
Perfect the National Single Window mechanism toward the ASEAN Single Window;
Carry out ASEAN’s common goals on intra-regional cooperation and cooperation with dialogue partners with which ASEAN is the center;
c) Human development;
Facilitate circulation of people and vehicles across the borders with ASEAN countries, support ASEAN tourism development;
Develop human resources to meet demands for transport connectivity in ASEAN; attach great importance on development of such human resources as seafarers and pilots, supply of multimodal transport and logistics services according to international standards; Harmonize training standards between member states; mutual recognitions on certificates, diplomas;
II SOLUTIONS TO STRENGTHEN TRANSPORT CONNECTIVITY IN ASEAN TO 2020 WITH A VISION TO 2030
1. Intensify investment in traffic infrastructure system;
a) Road
Put priority on completion of upgrading national lines belonging to ASEAN road network: National Road 1A, 22 (AH1), 2, 5, 70 (AH14), 6, 279 (AH13), 8A (AH15), 9A (AH16), Ho Chi Minh Road, 14B, 13, 51 (AH17), 12A (AH131), 24, 14, 40 (AH132);
Put following highway road lines into operation as part of the ASEAN road network to facilitate transport and improve transport quality: North – South Highway (Lang Son - Hanoi, Ninh Binh - Bai Vot, La Son - Tuy Loan, Da Nang - Quang Ngai, Phan Thiet - Ho Chi Minh City sections), Lao Kai - Hanoi, Hai Phong, Ho Chi Minh City - Bien Hoa - Vung Tau;
Under ASEAN road standards, until 2020, AH1, AH14 routes shall basically reach Grade I and over, and AH13, AH15, AH16, AH17, AH131, AH132 routes shall reach Grade II.
Combine and integrate ASEAN transport connectivity with the establishment of overall transport connectivity program between Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and China;
b) Railway
Intensify calling for investment and construction of Loc Ninh - Ho Chi Minh City section and Mu Gia - Tan Ap - Vung Ang section belonging to Kunming – Singapore Railway Line before 2020 in which the establishment of feasibility study of Mu Gia - Tan Ap - Vung Ang section should be immediately carried out; Take the initiative in making proposals and coordinating with ASEAN countries, especially neighboring countries such as Laos and Cambodia in the development and completion of missing projects to ensure connectivity and effective operation of the entire Kunming - Singapore Railway Line after the construction is completed;
Guarantee progress for investment in upgrading, modernizing or studying the construction North – South Railway Line and Lao Kai – Hanoi Railway Line belonging to Kunming – Singapore Railway Line under the national planning;
c) Seaway
Promote the role of Vietnamese port system as a gateway into East Sea of many ASEAN transport corridors with much importance attached to Cai Mep - Thi Vai ports (Vung Tau), Lach Huyen Port (Hai Phong), Cai Lan Port (Quang Ninh), ports in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Quy Nhon, Nghi Son and Vung Ang; Reserve appropriate land funds behind ports for the construction of goods and services distribution centers behind ports in connection with national traffic system and dry ports, gradually form a network of modern logistics infrastructure;
Intensify improvements in management and exploitation capacity to improve service quality, competitiveness and attraction of Da Nang Port in East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC);
Innovate scale of port management to suit Vietnam; Continue to step up participation of private sectors, especially foreign investors in the investment and construction of ports in the form of investment and lease out of ports or Public – Private Partnership (PPP)
Develop application of National single-window mechanism in all ports as of 2015; speed up application of Electronic Data Interchange; innovate port management and exploitation to suit Quality Management Standard ISO 9001 – 2000;
d) Inland waterways
- Cooperate with Cambodia in carrying out the upgrade of waterways connecting Vietnam and Cambodia expected to be completed before 2020;
- Successfully serve as a leading coordinator in the establishment and implementation of ASEAN waterway network development master plan adopted by Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand in 2015;
dd) Airway
Continue to invest and upgrade the infrastructure of flight management, runways, aircraft stands, terminals aimed at increasing efficiency in the exploitation of existing airports with priority placed on expansion and upgrading of international airports of Tan Son Nhat, Noi Bai, Cat Bi, Phu Bai, Da Nang, Cam Ranh; carry out investment and construction of Long Thanh international airport (after policy passed by National Assembly) and upgrading of Chu Lai airport;
e) Infrastructure of multimodal transport and logistics
Carry out immediate investment and construction of dry port system and move toward developing logistics centers as a hub to connect transport vehicles and organize multimodal transport providing logistics services according to approved planning for dry port system development; Prioritize investment in dry ports that are capable of linking directly with railways and roads;
Continue to invest and construct a network of bus stations, gas station, repair service station, firstly on National Road 1A, Ho Chi Minh Road, national and highway routes belonging to ASEAN road network;
Construct warehousing and logistic service systems serving transshipment of goods and vehicles at international road checkpoints;
2. Cross-border transport connectivity
Continue the implementation of bilateral and multi-lateral agreements on airways, seaway, roads, railway and inland waterways, on the facilitation of cross-border transport of people and goods, on transnational transport and multimodal transport within ASEAN framework; Unify and organize plans for development and connection with ASEAN appropriate to initiatives, projects and programs at national and sub-regional levels currently implemented to make a contribution toward reducing tension in resources, costs, time and coordination capacity;
Reinforce cooperation to facilitate cross-border transport and ASEAN transnational transport with immediate concentration on the development of transport between Vietnam and neighboring countries such as Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar; Accelerate development of transport in East-West Economic Corridor and Southern Corridors; Continue to reinforce cooperation with neighboring countries to open fixed passenger transport routes and cross-border tourism routes;
Continue to make amendments and supplements to regulations on facilitation of cross-border transport and trade; regularly coordinate inspection of the facilitation of cross-border transport of goods, people and vehicles; Re-organize activities of functional agencies, promulgate regulations on checkpoint administrative procedures and encourage investment and construction of transshipment centers, commercial warehouses at border checkpoints;
Adjust regulations on vehicles, people and goods crossing borders including regulations on number of vehicles permitted to cross borders, and quantity of goods transported... Intensify mutual recognition agreements on conditions and regulations on inspection of goods, vehicles and passengers crossing borders;
3. Improve transport service quality
a) Road
Encourage enterprises to innovate and modernize road transport vehicles, guarantee convenience, safety and environmental protection; enhance technical standards for roads to suit road standards of ASEAN countries to guarantee connectivity and international integration;
Develop road transport vehicles in a modern and environmental friendly way; increase management and control over technical safety and environmental protection conditions of road motor vehicles upon participation in traffic
c) Seaway
Increase competitiveness of national fleet; continue to maintain a leading position in domestic transport market; increase transport capability and market shares between Vietnam and other nations in the Southeast Asian and Northeast Asian Region; gradually expand markets into Europe, America, Africa and South East; take part in the supply of services on sea-going routes and in global supply chain;
Prioritize development of multimodal transport capability on corridors linking with key ports; focus efforts on furthering multimodal transport connectivity between ports of Cai Mep and Thi Vai with Cambodia, ports in the areas of Hai Phong with Southwestern part of China, ports in central part of Vietnam with Laos, Thailand and Myanmar;
Enhance marine support system and security measures according to international standards; actively take part in the signing of International Convention on marine of International Marine Organization and other organizations; sign bilateral transport agreements with Myanmar, Brunei and Cambodia; sign Agreement on Mutual Recognition in relation to certificates of professional qualification for seafarers according to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) 78/95 with Thailand, Cambodia and Brunei;
Further development of a chain of marine transport and tourism products, enhance capacity for receiving tourist passenger ships and intensify favorable connectivity with tourist attractions in mainland; gradually develop large-size passenger fleet linking Vietnam with key tourist attractions in the world;
c) Airway
Enhance competitiveness of domestic airlines to join ASEAN air transport market, move forward larger bloc-to-bloc markets such as ASEAN – EU, ASEAN – China, ASEAN-India, ASEAN – Korea... Keep stepping up the participation of private and budget carriers;
Further development of freight transport services and fleet of cargo aircraft of Vietnamese carriers; encourage investors to develop airports for global transshipment of goods in Chu Lai;
Reinforce and improve quality of facilities and equipment; inspect and check operation process; enforce disciplines and heighten responsibility for flight management, ensure absolute security and safety for flights;
Improve air terminal and airport service quality as a way to promote images of the airlines in particular and the country and people of Vietnam in general to the region and the world;
d) Inland waterways
Encourage enterprises to innovate and modernize waterway transport fleet including tugboats, self-propelled ships of large capacity, container ships and modern and high-speed passenger watercrafts; improve quality of waterway transport support service on routes (marking buoy, signs...) as well as in ports or wharfs...
Intensify material handling facilities and warehousing system to meet requirements for multimodal transport and logistic services;
Continue to make amendments and supplements to regulations set out in Vietnam – Cambodia Waterway Agreement toward increasing transit routes crossing Tien and Hau rivers; Improve checkpoint administrative procedures to create favorable conditions for enterprises;
dd) Railway
Improve quality of passenger and freight transport services in mixed airports; further railway tourism, link railway tourism services with road, airway and marine tourism services; form a fleet of tourist trains with high-quality services; intensify cooperation with ministries, sectors to facilitate procedures for customs, entry and exit for passengers;
e) Multimodal transport and logistic services
Further development of international multimodal transport services and multimodal connectivity in domestic transportation; quickly complete the planning for multi-level distribution networks (logistical center, dry ports, warehouses, yards...) and transport routes into major urban areas and key economic zones;
Encourage favorable conditions for the establishment of a number of multimodal transport enterprises that are capable of implementing transport chains on roads, railway - seaway or road - waterway - seaway, road - airway; intensify transport service connectivity between modes through connection of service distribution activities ensuring capacity to supply domestic and international transport service chains with reasonable price and high quality; further investment and development of transport service, transport support from abroad;
Guarantee quality with low price, use energy in an effective and environmentally friendly way, strengthen types of railway, inland waterway and seaway transports in combination with public transport and establish interprovincial and transnational connectivity to meet demands for transport of goods and people in the country and region;
Create favorable conditions for investors to develop international logistic services, provide three-party, four-party full-package services, strengthen application of e-commerce and modern supply chain management models;
4. Intensify mobilization of resources for connectivity
Further private sector involvement in traffic infrastructure development, especially in the form of PPP in order to make a breakthrough in the mobilization of capital sources on the basis of selection of models, complete policy framework on PPP in transport sector;
Intensify cooperation with international organizations, financial institutions, sponsors and traditional and potential dialogue partners such as Asian Development Bank, World Bank, European Union, Infrastructure Investment banks of Asia, Japan, Korea and China...to mobilize financial sources for infrastructure construction projects as well as for technical support projects to strengthen transport connectivity in ASEAN;
Make maximum use of resource supports from other ASEAN and Asia financial mechanism such as ASEAN Infrastructure Fund, Green Climate Fund, Asian Cooperation and Environment Fund, Japan’s financial support fund for infrastructural development, ASEAN – China Cooperation and Investment Fund, ASEAN +3 Credit Guarantee and Investment Fund...
5. Further development of human resources
Focus efforts on investment to improve capacity and facilities for training institutions, especially training for pilots, air traffic controllers, officials, seafarers,...to guarantee high-quality human resources meeting demands for international integration; study the establishment of national training centers for logistics and develop common teaching programs for logistics management;
Strengthen cooperation between ASEAN countries, effectively develop technical support projects for training of international organizations, dialog partners to develop and upgrade skills and qualifications for multimodal transport service providers and logistic service providers (LSPs) in the country; establish a national system for certification of LSPs;
Further the implementation of approved planning for human resource development in transport sector in 2011 - 2020 period;
6. Intensify the tasks to ensure road traffic safety, marine and air traffic security and safety;
Continue to effectively implement national strategy to ensure road traffic safety to 2020 with a vision to 2030 (Decision No. 1586/QĐ-TTg dated October 24, 2012), guarantee an annual 5-10% reduction in fatalities on roads in 2012 – 2020 period and at the same time apply road traffic safety policies comprehensively and sustainably to meet current and future demands;
Focus efforts on upgrading, renovating and reinforcing safety conditions for road traffic infrastructure; eliminate accident black spots on roads, especially on national routes belonging to ASEAN road network;
Develop state-of-the-art marine safety and security system in accordance with international standards;
Strengthen cooperation in the areas of air traffic security and safety, and flight management; improve air traffic safety system according to international standards and requirements for ASEAN integration;
Fully participate in joint search and rescue drills in air and marine to improve search and rescue capacity;
7. Improve institutions and capacity for international integration;
Check, review, amend and supplement a number of regulations and administrative procedures to suit international and ASEAN laws and practices; Make domestic laws for international commitments in transport sector; Speed up inspection and implementation of Vietnam’s commitments and obligations;
Strengthen cooperation at all levels with member states of ASEAN to fulfill set objectives; Propose roadmaps and mechanism appropriate to each specific case to guarantee both fulfillment of common objectives and interests of member states;
Strengthen close cooperation with ministries, sectors and localities and National Steering Committee for International Integration in handling interdisciplinary issues concerning cross-border transport of people, vehicles and goods; promulgate appropriate mechanism, policies to facilitate transport;
Study the establishment of inter-agencies who coordinate functions and duties between ministries, sectors and localities in the investment and development of logistic services;
Integrate plans and objectives of ASEAN commitments into strategies and plans for developing transport and other areas and ensure connectivity and harmony with the targets of development and connectivity of transport system in ASEAN, GMS and other international cooperation mechanism on transport to which Vietnam is a signatory;
Enhance standards of technical safety and environmental protection for transport vehicles, make effective use of energy; control, prevent and minimize environment pollution in transport activities;
III. IMPLEMENTATION
1. The Ministry of Transport
a) Preside over and cooperate with ministries, sectors and localities in the implementation of the Plan;
b) Cooperate closely with National Steering Committee for International Integration, Steering Committee for ASEAN connectivity, National Steering Committee for ASEAN and National single window, and relevant ministries, sectors in implementing strategies, planning and projects on transport sector in harmony with commitments to ASEAN transport connectivity;
c) Preside over and cooperate with relevant ministries, sectors in reinforcing and intensifying organizations and full-time personnel in order to enhance the efficiency of the Task Group and create favorable conditions for national transportation of Vietnam;
d) Preside over and cooperate with the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Ministry of Finance and relevant ministries, sectors in implementing ASEAN transport connectivity to 2020 with a vision to 2030;
dd) Effectively implement the Government’s Resolution No. 19/NQ-CP dated March 18, 2014 on main duties and solutions to improve business environment and national competitiveness; preside over and cooperate with ministries, sectors, agencies and localities in taking measures to improve quality of infrastructure, port services, road, railway, inland waterway and air traffic transport; improve logistic service system, reduce expenses for transport services to average level of ASEAN – 6 countries
e) Annually, compile and assess the implementation of transport connectivity; take the initiative in studying and proposing mechanism or policies that need amending and supplementing;
2. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
a) Serve as a leading coordinator with ASEAN countries, partners, organizations, international and regional multi-lateral mechanism to support reinforcement of ASEAN transport connectivity;
b) Cooperate with the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Planning and Investment and relevant ministries, sectors in checking and identifying projects falling within ASEAN connectivity master plan that need technical/financial supports to make proposals to the ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee for handling;
3. The Ministry of Planning and Investment
a) Preside over and coordinate activities of Steering Committee for ASEAN connectivity coordination, closely cooperate with the Ministry of Transport and relevant ministries, sectors in guaranteeing the intensification of ASEAN transport connectivity;
b) Preside over and cooperate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Transport in working with ASEAN partners, multi-lateral development banks, international organizations, private sectors and other relevant parties to mobilize necessary resources for implementation of ASEAN connectivity with immediate concentration placed on seeking capital sources for the construction of Loc Ninh – Ho Chi Minh City railway line and Mu Gia – Tan Ap – Vung Ang railway line;
c) Allocate state funds for implementation of national projects to strengthen ASEAN transport connectivity as prescribed;
d) Preside over and cooperate with the Ministry of Transport in integrating this Plan with the Plan “Constructing policies on comprehensive development of infrastructure, integrating development of domestic infrastructure with infrastructural network in the region”;
4. The Ministry of Finance
a) Cooperate with the Ministry of Planning and Investment and relevant ministries, sectors in proposing measures for mobilization of resources for the implementation of national projects aimed at strengthening ASEAN transport connectivity;
b) Direct and coordinate implementation of National single window and ASEAN single window within competence of the Ministry based on plans, roadmaps approved by the National Steering Committee for ASEAN and national single window; Direct and closely cooperate with relevant ministries, sectors in implementing National single window in 2015; serve as a leading coordinator with ASEAN countries for ASEAN single window connectivity in 2016 according to ASEAN Roadmap;
c) Speed up the signing and/or implementation of Protocol 2 on border gateway, Protocol 5 on ASEAN insurance mechanism and Protocol 7 on customs transit to be able to quicken the implementation of ASEAN Framework Agreement on the facilitation of transport of goods in transit;
5. The Ministry of Industry and Trade
a) Preside over and cooperate with the Ministry of Transport and relevant ministries, sectors in building strategy for national logistics development, logistics coordination and management mechanism; study plans for establishing inter-agencies on development of logistics to coordinate functions and duties among ministries, sectors and localities in the investment and development of logistic services;
b) Cooperate with the Ministry of Transport and relevant ministries, sectors in speeding up synchronous and effective implementation of international commercial commitments within the framework of WTO, ASEAN and FTA to facilitate the transport of people, vehicles and goods;
c) Intensify inspection and settlement of illegal business activities and fighting against smuggling, trade frauds, market manipulation and unhealthy competition according to law provisions;
d) Preside over and cooperate with relevant ministries, sectors in facilitating commercial activities at border gateways in mainland, establish an open legal framework synchronous with regional countries and commercially connect Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar with Vietnam’s ports;
6. The Ministry of Justice
Cooperate with the Ministry of Transport and Ministries, sectors and localities in checking, systemizing and proposing amendments, supplements to or enaction of regulations and administrative procedures in accordance with international and ASEAN laws and practices;
7. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Public Security and other ministries, sectors
Cooperate with the Ministry of Transport and relevant ministries, sectors in implementing roles and duties within assignments as prescribed in the Statute of the National Steering Committee for ASEAN Single Window and National Single Window (enclosed with Decision No. 55/QĐ-BCĐASW dated May 23, 2012) and taking measures to facilitate ASEAN transport connectivity;
8. People’s committees of central-affiliated cities and provinces
Cooperate with ministries and sectors in cooperation and development of transport with ASEAN countries and dialog countries, especially neighboring countries; cooperate with the Ministry of Transport in studying and opening transport routes on the basis of the transport agreements signed between Vietnam and other countries within ASEAN cooperation framework... Build plans for promoting investment, spreading images and advantages of economic and tourism cooperation in localities to attract investment for tourism development, increase circulation of people, vehicles and goods between Vietnam and ASEAN countries and dialog countries;
9. Budget sources for implementation of the Plan
a) Projects, duties within management and competence of the Ministry of Transport shall be implemented by the Ministry on the basis of state budget capital or other mobilized sources under the approved planning, plans for transport sector;
b) Projects, duties within management and competence of ministries, sectors shall be implemented by relevant ministries, sectors on the basis of state budget capital or other sources;
Article 2. This Decision takes effect since the signing date.
Article 3. Ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, heads of governmental agencies, presidents of People’s committees of central-affiliated cities and provinces shall be responsible for executing this Decision. /.
| THE PRIME MINISTER |