The construction of the Kulim International Airport, or KXP, is set to become a reality after it is approved by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah said the project had been discussed with the prime minister in several meetings and Najib was seen as giving positive reactions to it.

"The preliminary procedure on the project is professionally prepared, from time to time, by a team headed by Kulim Technology Park Corporation (KTPC) president Datuk Dr Annuar Mohd Saffar," he said after launching the 20th Anniversary of Kulim Hi-Tech Park (KHTP), yesterday.

He said the residents of North Perak, Perlis and Penang stood to benefit when the project had been completed in terms of employment opportunities and economic expansion.

The construction of KXP would attract more foreign investors with the availability of complete infrastructure, he said.

Ahmad Bashah said KTPC recorded RM39 billion last year compared to RM34 billion in 2014.

"We are confident the investment will continue to go up when KXP is operational," he said.

During the ceremony, he lauded the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority's contribution of a RM12.3 million sports complex for KHTP workers and local residents.

Among the facilities at the complex were four ordinary futsal courts which could be converted into two international class futsal courts.