But he missed his chance, and spent the next seven years trying to catch up on his lost opportunity.
He concedes, however, that this approach can mean lost opportunities.
Failure to capture this potential would be a real lost opportunity not only for Africa but for the rest of the world as well.
"It's a huge lost opportunity," a person close to the company said.
The conference itself - the speeches delivered by the parties - became an incredible lost opportunity.
A lost opportunity for romance in the big city.
Much of the public commentary about the 9/11 attacks has focused on "lost opportunities."
Rather, it represents, at least potentially, a serious lost opportunity.
He is also asking the court for damages for lost future opportunities.
This ultimately means lost opportunities for growth and employment in Europe.