THE government will encourage companies in the military sector to attract non-government investment, conduct share offerings and issue corporate bonds to fund their development, a government agency said late Thursday.

The move underscores the government’s goal of boosting the profitability of the sector, which has long been controlled by the government, by bringing in resources and expertise from outside the government. The Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense said it will encourage State-owned firms that make civilian products as well as products for the military to conduct stake sales, asset swaps, and set up joint ventures.