ASHGABAT (Associated Press) –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 centre, a food production plant and a chain of auto servicing shops. None of the country’s energy assets are included in the sale.

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

Turkmenistan’s economy has remained highly subsidized since the country formed part of the Soviet Union. Opportunities for private enterprise are limited, making the privatization drive particularly significant.