LANGKAWI, March 17 (Bernama) -- Malaysia needs to strengthen the capabilities of its aerospace players to support the growth of the industry, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said.

He said as Malaysia aspires to become number one aerospace nation in Southeast Asia and an integral part of the global market by 2030, there should be a strong will and commitment on the part of local companies to expand their capacities and capabilities.

"The aerospace industry is targeted to be one of Malaysia's main engines of growth in the next decade as indicated in the (Malaysia Aerospace Industry) Blueprint 2030," he said at the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology Open Forum here today.

The forum entitled "Charting the Future of the Malaysian Aerospace Industry" was held in conjunction with the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2015 (LIMA'15).

Mustapa said the commitment from all stakeholders in implementing the blueprint initiatives is critical to the success of the industry.

"With the right attitude and entrepreneurial instinct, the aerospace industry in 2030 is set to be a strong, dynamic and high-technology sector that supports the complete aero system life cycle and an important economic activity for Malaysia," he added.

Speaking when launching LIMA'15 earlier, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Malaysia's aerospace industry is projected to contribute a revenue of RM32.5 billion by 2030.

The prime minister said Malaysia has come a long way since the launch of the first aerospace industry blueprint at LIMA 1997.

He said last year, the nation's aerospace industry generated RM19 billion in revenue and RM4.2 billion in investments and created 19,500 jobs.

"To underline our commitment to this vision, the Cabinet recently approved the establishment of a special body, the National Aerospace Coordinating Agency, under the purview of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry.

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Malaysia needs stronger aerospace players: Mustapa