CARACAS, Venezuela (AFP): Venezuela, the world number-five oil exporter, plans to issue bonds worth a total of as much as five billion dollars through its state oil giant PDVSA this week, authorities said Friday.

The 10-, 20- and 30-year bonds will go on sale Monday and be available through Thursday, said PDVSA chief and Energy Minister Rafael Ramirez.

The bonds issue -- aimed at raising 60 billion dollars through 2010 -- in part will be used to back a plan geared to boosting oil production which is at 3.3 million barrels per day to 5.8 million bpd, according to PDVSA.

PDVSA budgeted for 2006 investment of 5.9 billion dollars, double the historical rate, Ramirez said.
The state also has transferred 8.7 billion dollars' worth of resources to the National Development Fund for domestic and international aid and development projects.