To ensure clarity and transparency of objectives for SOEs, the Minister pointed out that a precise articulation of the trade-offs between policy, regulatory, customer and financial interests was required. The DPE consulted with sector departments, National Treasury and the Presidency to determine the strategy for the state as a shareholder in SOEs. Such consultation entailed an assessment of the interaction between the policy and regulatory environment with the financial and operational goals of SOEs to ensure the optimisation of shareholder value and the achievement of wider socio-economic objectives.