The aerospace industry is expected to contribute an additional RM16 billion to gross domestic product (GDP) through two entry point projects (EPPs) under the Economic Transformation Programme.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Maximus Ongkili said that so far, the industry had contributed RM25 billion to GDP.

"The two EPPs have been identified and they are expected to contribute RM16 billion to GDP and create about 32,000 job opportunities," he told reporters after the Seventh Malaysian Aerospace Council meeting chaired by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak in Kuala Lumpur today.

Ongkili said the government had agreed to set up the Aerostructure Manufacturing Innovation Centre which would carry out research and development (R&D) relating to aircraft structure manufacturing and also serve as the highest level study and training centre.

He said the innovation centre would involve an investment of RM40 million, funded by the government and industry players.

"We will work with a selected local university on the R&D," he said.

He also revealed that effective Jan 1, 2011, the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology would be placed under the Prime Minister's Department while the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry would provide it with support programme.

Two items discussed at today's meeting were aerospace research and technology and strategies to enhance future Langkawi international maritime and aerospace exhibitions.

- Bernama