So far, less than 25 percent has been privatized. The government maintains control over sectors dealing with oil and gas, electricity, rail and air transport, communications, education, science, health and culture. With power centralized in the president and his office, there is a lack of procedural transparency and frequent complaints of corruption. Prices are controlled for staples, medicines, rent, public transportation and services. As of 1995, fifty products were subsidized.
Most banks have great leeway in setting deposit and lending rates.
Credit is directed to state enterprises based on need. There are no controls on rates of return on investment, but individuals cannot invest abroad. Currently, individuals are not allowed access to foreign exchange except limited amounts for foreign travel. A Central Bank Law adopted in 1994 gave the bank a more prominent role in the conduct of monetary and credit policy and the development of effective monetary control. However, policy developments suggest that the bank continues to be subject to extensive political constraints that undermine its authority over the conduct of monetary policy.