BEIJING -- China will choose around 60 zones to lead the nation's efforts in promoting industrial urbanization, the nation's top economic planner said Thursday.

The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said that the selected areas will coordinate and integrate industrial and urban development, which will lead to complementary regional economies.

It did not specify which areas would be chosen, but said that they will be based on existing industrial zones or parks.

It added that the industrial urbanization drive will convert industrial parks to more comprehensive functions required of a city economy, while helping explore a new type of urbanization for the world's most populous nation.

With efforts, these zones can grow into comprehensive cities with solid industrial development, proper city services, and clear boundaries, according to the NDRC.

It also predicted that these emerging areas will see faster economic growth compared to other areas and attract more population by 2020, as economic and social development in these regions improve.