Rural residents of Laiwu City, Shandong Province, have seen their total cash incomes increase the most in the province, up almost 16 percent in the first half of the year compared to the same period last year. The per capita income of Shandong increased 14.8 percent, already higher than the country average of 12.6 percent.

The per capita cash income for Laiwu's rural residents in the first six months of 2010 reached 4,109 yuan.

Shandong has been aggressively pursuing rural development through policies designed to boost local economies, such as the Urban-Rural Integration Coordinated Development and New Town and New Community Construction plans.

Out of the total income, per capita salary registered a 21.73 percent increase to reach 1,691 yuan, household business income increased 10.66 percent and other income including pension increased 10.96 percent.