Income growth for urban, rural residents expected lower in 2003 (03/06/2003)

The income growth rates for Chinese urban and rural residents will drop in 2003, according to the report delivered by the country's top economic planner Zeng Peiyan, on Thursday, to the first session of the 10th National People's Congress.
In 2003, the per capita disposable income of urban residents is expected to increase by 6 percent, Zeng told the meeting. The figure for 2002 is 13.4 percent, according to his report. While the per capita net income of rural residents is expected to increase by 4 percent in 2003, compared with 4.8 percent last year.
The per capita disposable income of urban residents is 7,703 yuan in 2002, while that of rural residents 2,476 yuan, according to official statistics.
However, the minister said that a system for assisting low- income people through a variety of means will be established and perfected to help exceedingly indigent urban families solve their problems in housing, children's schooling, medical treatment and heating.
"We will deepen the reform of the wealth distribution system to increase personal incomes, particularly for the low-income population," the minister said.

(Xinhua)