BEIJING, Jan. 12(Xinhuanet)-- China's State Council passed in principle guidelines on encouraging, supporting and guiding the development of the non-public sector of the economy at its executive meeting here Wednesday.

According to a decision made at the meeting chaired by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, efforts should be made to create a sound environment for the development of the private sector economy.

It is imperative to create a better environment for private sector to compete on the equal footing and free it from discrimination, says the decision.