The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) will equitise an additional 39 businesses in 2007 and 2008, according to a decision issued recently by the Prime Minister.

The State will hold dominant stakes in three of the targeted enterprises which include major corporations engaging in natural silk, sugar and tea production, vegetable and fruit, forest product processing and animal breeding.

By the end of 2006, as many as 353 businesses under MARD had been re-organised, including 202 enterprises equitised.

The restructuring has helped the businesses improve their management, operation and competitiveness.

The ministry has coordinated with relevant ministries and agencies to remove financial difficulties for businesses.