Interfax-China quoted National Development and Reform Commission said China is encouraging private investment in seven strategic emerging industries that were selected by the State Council last year for special support including the energy conservation and alternative energy sectors.

The seven high tech sectors singled out in September last year are energy conservation and environmental protection, information technology, biotechnology, high end equipment manufacturing, alternative energy, alternative energy vehicles and new materials.

The NDRC encouraged bond issues and initial public offerings among private players in SEI-related industries, and urged private companies to invest in areas including energy management contracts electric vehicle charging and car rental.

The notice also called on local authorities and branches of the NDRC to consult the private sector when formulating development plans for the SEIs and to treat private companies fairly when allocating government funds.

Mr Han Xiaoping chief information officer for China Energy Net said ensuring access to capital for private start ups is more important than having detailed industry development plans. He said that "Private firms traditionally perform strongly in sectors the government neglects. If the government focuses too heavily on a certain industry, it may become dominated by state owned players, squeezing out private companies."

(Sourced from Interfax-China)