China will make more effort to improve city clusters in the eastern region, and foster new clusters and key regional cities in central and western regions, said a statement issued on Dec 22 after the Central Urban Work Conference.

The statement said key cities in the border regions should be developed in a coordinated way with port cities, so that all residents share the fruits of urbanization.

All cities should utilize their advantages in resources and location, and foster industries with local characteristics, the statement said.

Cooperative industrial development in cities and towns will be encouraged, and a more innovative and open cooperation mechanisms should drive urbanization.

Agriculture should be developed at the same pace as urbanization, the statement said, adding developing agriculture, improving farmer’s incomes and improving rural living conditions should be promoted together with the work of upgrading cities.