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| NSRIA CEO Lee Tae-hwan speaks of his new approach to building a large international airport in Cambodia during an interview at his office in southern Seoul, Thursday. / Korea Times Photo by Shim Hyun-chul |
03-04-2011
By Oh Young-jin
The Korea Times
First, he mentioned the efficiency and professionalism of the Cambodian public servants. “We deal with Ph.D. holders who studied in the U.S., Russia and European countries,” Lee said.
Secondly, Cambodia proves to be neither a banana republic nor led by a tinpot dictator. “It is a country that has a strong tradition of adhering to a contract perhaps resulting from the influence of the French,” the CEO said.
Building an international airport in a third-world country is a challenging task.
It requires dealing with a mercurial government, acquiring enough land and raising financial support.
There is too much uncertainty for any firm to take on without hesitation.
In this sense, the NSRIA or New Siem Reap International Airport Co, led by two Korean firms ― Lees A&A and its financial partner Cambodia Airport Co. ― is engaged in what others might call a mission impossible.
But when one listens to its CEO Lee Tae-hwan talk about the project, one can appreciate how the difficult feat could be translated into reality. As with any business, however, there is no 100 percent guarantee.
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