The Venezuelan government announced an investment plan of around US$200m to boost cement production within its borders, Minister of Industries, Ricardo Martinez, reported.

During an inspection of Cemento Andino, as part of the "street government" public-management model in the state of Trujillo, Menendez said the objective is to increase production until it reaches 500kg per capita consumption.

According to the minister, Venezuela currently produces around 280kg per capita annually, a much higher figure than the average 150kg noted before to the assumption of power by late President Hugo Chavez.

Menendez highlighted the importance of the cement production levels to develop the Gran Misión Vivienda Venezuela, a social programme conceived to address the lack of housing in the country.

Meanwhile, Venezuelan Minister of Housing and Habitat, Ricardo Molina, announced the allocation of 516 apartments to families in the city of Tiuna, Caracas. Molina said these houses are the result of an agreement with China and their allocation is included in the Mi Hogar plan, designed to benefit households with a purchasing power that exceeds four minimum salaries.