The Korea Water Resources Corp., more affectionately known as “K-water,” started projects in overseas markets in 1994. Kim Kuen-ho, president of the state-run water management agency, believes now is the time to reap the rewards.

“We have made sincere efforts to accumulate enhanced water management know-how and build partnerships with other countries for almost 20 years,” he told The Korea Herald in a recent interview.

“Winning a deal is not the final goal of our overseas activities. We hope our efforts help countries better face water control issues.”

Currently, K-water is pinning especially high hopes on the ongoing $11 billion water management project in Thailand, which suffered from severe flooding last year.

With many countries jumping into the fierce bidding war, a Korean consortium, led by K-water, is one of the eight bidders that passed the preliminary review in September.

“Countries such as China and Japan are competing aggressively. But I think Korea has a very distinctive edge ― the priceless experience and system built on the four river refurbishment project,” he said.

“The competition is not easy but it’s not impossible to win either. The Thai project, if we succeed to win, is expected to pave the way for us to go global with the four river project.”

Following is a Q&A with the K-water chief about the current situation of the four river project and the agency’s global ambition:

The Korea Herald: What is your assessment of K-water’s work on the Four River Restoration Project and the latest Ara Waterway project?

Kim Kuen-ho: We started those projects in 2009 and finished most of the construction work before this year’s flood season. It is true that we had some doubts about doing such large-scale national projects. But we could successfully complete the mission based on our water control know-how accumulated over the past 40 years and all the employees’ devotion.

The effectiveness of the four river project was proven during the flood and drought seasons. With 13 million people visiting the restored sites nationwide, I feel proud about the results. We will continue efforts in managing the environment-friendly project that will serve our future generation.

KH: Is there any remaining work for K-water to do regarding the river project?

Kim: The river project ― a green growth project that will respond to climate change in the future ― is also gaining recognition globally. But some disputes still remain. We need to make efforts to gain support from all Koreans.

We also plan to build up a database of the whole process of the river project and further develop the nation’s water control know-how. K-water is playing the leading role and these efforts will be greatly helpful for future businesses in overseas markets as well as in Korea.

KH: Early this year, K-water announced “Green Vision 2020,” which aims to secure more than 50 percent of the state-run company’s sales from abroad.

Kim: K-water has stepped up efforts to expand our presence in the global water market. Starting with “Survey on the Fenhe River Basin of China” in 1994, we have completed 38 overseas projects in 20 countries worth 40.9 billion won ($37.7 million). Currently, we are doing 22 projects in 17 countries, including the Patrind Hydropower Plant Project in Pakistan and Jiangsu Province Siyang County Water Supply Project in China. The total revenue is estimated at 3.65 trillion won.

Following several climate change issues recently, countries are paying renewed attention to water control, and for the response, the nation’s four river project is winning the spotlight as one of the most advanced model projects.

Currently, countries like Thailand, Morocco and Paraguay are benchmarking our river project. More recently, we have jumped into the bidding race to win the large-scale water management project in Thailand.

KH: Amid fierce competition among countries to win the lucrative deal, what is Korea’s competitive edge?

Kim: Many countries, especially China and Japan, have been interested in developing water resources in Thailand for the past 10 years. Even though Korea is a latecomer compared to them, we have the very special experience and know-how of carrying out the four river project.

International organizations such as the U.N. and OECD are recognizing Korea’s four river project as a successful green growth project to effectively respond to climate change.

K-water holds most of the technical know-how in developing water resources, generating electric power and conducting city plans that are demanded by the Thai government.

All government offices, including that of President Lee Myung-bak, who recently visited Thailand to explain the nation’s four river project in person, are working together. We hope there will be a favorable result in April when the final bidder is decided.

KH: Aside from the river project, K-water is carrying out the Ara Waterway project that aims to use the waterway for transportation. What impact do you expect from the project?

Kim: The Ara Waterway project is aimed at using the flood control channel in the areas west of Seoul as a seaway. We have completed most of the construction work involving the main channel, floodgate, terminal and bridges, and passenger ships and cargo boats are currently running.

As of October, 1.52 million people have visited the site and 249,000 passengers, or 658 people per day on average, have used the route. During the same period, 25 cargo ships were operating along the coast and abroad via the waterway.

KH: You are leading one of the most representative state-run companies. What’s your next plan as CEO?

Kim: A state-run company should offer public services that people want and do their best in fulfilling their social responsibility. Under the mission “making a better world with water,” we will continue efforts to protect people from disasters, offer safe water and support the national interest. 

Profile of Kim Kuen-ho

•Born in 1945 in Seoul, Kim studied civil engineering at Seoul National University and earned a master’s degree at the university’s Graduate School of Environmental Studies.

•The former vice minister of construction and transportation from 1997-1998 took office as the K-water chief in July 2008, becoming the second-longest-serving leader of the agency.

By Lee Ji-yoon (jylee@heraldcorp.com)