Secretive Turkmenistan reveals plans for privatization program

AP

ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan — The secretive Central Asian nation of Turkmenistan has unveiled a list of state-owned assets it plans to privatize in a bid to promote free enterprise in the government-dominated economy.

The official Neutral Turkmenistan daily said Monday that the assets to be sold in the March 9 auction include a shopping center, a food production plant and a chain of auto servicing shops.

Foreign and local investors will be allowed to participate in the auction.

None of the country’s copious energy assets are included in the sale.