A. Air Liquide Korea Services has gone through a period of significant growth recently, and is about to start up new investments in the Yosu area that will bring even more growth to the company. I am enthusiastic about the challenge that these new investments represent, not only for our customers but also our employees and suppliers.
Q. Your plan for ALKOS.
A. My predecessor had put in place a plan in place that we are currently following, the major element being our new investments in Yosu. it is a bit early for me to say what changes are necessary to this plan, if any, but I look forward to working with the management team as we continue to serve customers and grow the business.
Q. How do you evaluate the Korean industrial gas market and possibility for growth.
A. ALKOS plans to grow in two areas. First of all with our new investment in the Yosu area, we are planning to grow our hydrogen and CO business, particularly with the start-up of the new TDI plant for BASF. In addition, we have plans to further develop our hydrogen and CO network in the Yosu area and hope to meet the new requirements, particularly for hydrogen, that the refining and chemical industry will have.
The second area for growth for us will be with our ¡®merchant' customers. This growth is tied primarily to the high technology sector which many forecasters are saying will recover significantly in the second half of 2003. Although the GDP growth next year of a little over 5% is a bit less than 6% that is expected for 2002, this is an exceptional level of growth for the Korean economy compared to the major economies of North America or Europe.
Q. What do you want to do in your ALKOS president period.
A. A key objective is to make sure that our new investments in Yosu start up successfully and that we continue to grow our business in that area. I also hope that our people here in Korea will be able to benefit from some of my experience managing Air Liquide's business in Canada, and that I will also learn from them regarding our business practices in Korea.
Q. Personal management rule or philosophy.
A. My predecessor, Mr Bernard Dhainaut has built up an excellent management team here at Air Liquide Korea with a strong dedication to excellence. Air Liquide as a company has a fairly similar style of management in all of the places that it does business worldwide. This management philosophy is very much focused on customer service, encouraging employee initiative, and applying an open style of management.
The company is celebrating it's hundredth year since it's foundation in 1902 in Paris France. Our company's long record of success is due in part to the application of a consistent style of management and staying focused on our business plan.
Q. First impression of Korea and Koreans.
A. I am very impressed with the infrastructure in Korea and the rate of growth in the economy. Everywhere you look in Korea there is a construction crane which is not the case at present in North America. I have found Koreans to be very welcoming towards outsiders and have been impressed with the extent that Koreans have direct contact with North America, particularly my home country of Canada. On the occasions in Seoul where I have had to consult a map, a local person has always approached me within a few seconds to ask me in English if I require and assistance.