LANGKAWI, March 17 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak went on a tour of the booths at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) after opening the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA'15) Exhibition here Tuesday.

He was accompanied by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein; Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, among others.

Najib also inked a plaque, symbolising the launch of the Malaysian Aerospace Industry Blueprint (2015-2030).

The blueprint is focused on developing the aerospace industry in Malaysia and aspires to become the leading aerospace nation within the Southeast Asian region by 2030.

Malaysia's aerospace industry is also projected to contribute revenue of RM32.5 billion by 2030.

LIMA'15, which kicked off today and will be on until Saturday, features 512 exhibitors from 36 countries, an increase of 18 per cent in company participation from the previous edition.

Among the exhibitors are Airbus Defence and Space, The Boeing Company, Rafale International and agencies such as the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MiGHT) and agencies under the Ministry of Transport as well as the Ministry of International Trade and Industry.