FUZHOU, June 6 (Xinhua) -- The construction of a new aluminum processing base began on Wednesday in eastern Fujian Province, which experts say will reduce the country's reliance on imports.

    The plant, which belongs to Aluminum Corporation of China (Chinalco) is situated in Fuzhou, capital of Fujian, and will have an annual capacity of 350,000 tons of high-precision aluminum plate upon its completion in 2010.

    The project will cost 2.7 billion yuan (350 million U.S. dollars).

    "The project is likely to end China's heavy reliance on imports of aluminium," said Kang Yi, president of the China Nonferrous Metals Society at the ground-breaking ceremony.

    Two months ago, Chinalco, the country's biggest aluminum producer, began the construction of a large aluminum-processing base in northwestern Gansu Province.