A new computer software centre in Belfast will create 225 jobs in the next three years, the North's economy minister, Mr Adam Ingram, has said.

The ICL-Microsoft Solution Centre - one of only seven ICL is setting up worldwide - will be involved in the development of sophisticated computer software systems for major clients in the educational, retail and British government sectors.

The North's Industrial Development Board is providing £1.1 million sterling (€1.67 million) towards the initial £2 million investment in the project.

"This extremely prestigious project involving ICL, a major international player in IT services, and Microsoft, the world's leading software company, underlines Northern Ireland's fast-developing reputation as a global centre in software," Mr Ingram said.

The investment was secured against stiff opposition from other possible locations around the world, he added.

"It is the result of a strategic global alliance agreement between ICL, which already employs around 550 people in Belfast, and Microsoft," he added.

Mr Brian Baird, managing director of ICL in Ireland, said the company's alliance with Microsoft and the establishment of computer centres around the world were part of its objective to become a leading information technology service company.

He said the company in Northern Ireland had a first-class and highly-motivated team of people and access to a steady supply of good-quality graduates and educated school leavers, which was necessary for cost-effective and speedy expansion.

"We have the right people to enable us to deliver sophisticated work packages on time, within budget and to the highest standards demanded in a very exacting international market place," added Mr Baird.