New international airport for Venezuela

Venezuela's President Chávez has announced that the government is to spend US$ 700 million constructing a new international airport in Barinas state.

The new airport will include a 3.2 km runway, with construction expected to take five years, according to state news agency ABN.

The new airport will be built in the Cruz Paredes municipality's Barrancas area.

In the statement, President Chávez said the airport is not only an infrastructure development initiative, but also represents an opportunity to develop Venezuela's south-western states' economies and social structures and institutions.

Part of President Chávez's "Bolivarian" connectivity development plan, the new airport will promote travel within Latin America.