BEIJING - A report released Wednesday highlighted that concentrated underdeveloped regions in China must follow an urbanization path that is based on local sustainable resources.

The report by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) is titled "The Development Report of China Contiguous Destitute Areas 2014-2015".

"The malign cycle of 'poverty, population growth and environmental deterioration' must be broken, which means regions must move away from an over reliance on natural resources as this damages the environment," it said.

The report stressed promoting new-type urbanization that would optimize the industrial sector, make public services more efficient, and enhance the capacity of the local workforce.

Citing tourism, trade, transportation and services as fields with potential, the report also recommended that the location of residential areas be reviewed and that there should be more regional cooperation on development.

It also called for more state policy support for infrastructure and industrial development.