Trinidad gets funds for smelter

The Chinese government has offered to fund the construction of Trinidad and Tobago’s first aluminum smelter plant.



Under the deal, China will be providing $112,000,000 to the twin-island nation.



Officials say that amount is the balance of a $300,000,000 concessional loan for the construction of the 125,000 tonne per year facility.



Earlier this year, Venezuela-based aluminum producer Sural, which had a 40 percent stake in the project, withdrew due to financial problems.



The Trinidad and Tobago government, which owns the remaining 60 percent, has said it is looking for a partner.