Armed forces retirees with defence industry skills, in particular in engineering, are encouraged to take part in the Sungkai Defence Industry Centre project in Tanjung Malim, Perak, which is scheduled to start in the first quarter of 2012.

lim guan eng submarine ride 091211 ahmad zahid Defence Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said armed forces retirees involved in the defence industry would benefit from the project because it provides big opportunities for new businesses, apart from boosting the country's economy.

Zahid said the government has set a target of RM15 billion in foreign investments once the centre is fully operational.

So far 25 international defence companies have shown their interest, 15 from Europe, eight from the United States and two from South Korea, totalling RM4.73 billion in investments, he noted.

"Apart from that, companies from China and India are also keen to invest in the project," Zahid said after launching the 13th general election machinery for the Bagan Datoh parliamentary constituency today.

"The development of this new industry will definitely provide employment and business opportunities to local residents and armed forces retirees, especially those who live around Tanjung Malim," he added.

- Bernama