OREANDA-NEWS. February 29, 2012. A program aimed at doubling local residents' incomes both in urban and rural areas during the 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-15) period will move forward this year, according to the Hefei Municipal Finance Bureau in East China's Anhui province.

Zhang Qingjun, mayor of Hefei, said the city will continue to improve local people's livelihoods, stressing that it is vital to create more jobs, providing opportunities and enriching people’s pockets.

Statistics from the Hefei Municipal Finance Bureau showed that last year, disposable incomes for urban residents reached 22,459 yuan (USD 3,570) and those for rural residents climbed to 7,862 yuan (USD 1,250), representing a rise of 17.9% and 18.7% from 2010, respectively.

Wu Cunrong, a member of the Standing Committee of CPC Anhui Provincial Committee and secretary of CPC Hefei Municipal Committee, stressed that rising incomes both in urban and rural areas has become the biggest issue in improving people's livelihoods. He added that the task should focus on increasing people’s incomes, promoting employment and strengthening social security.