A top government economist has urged 'stable, rapid' economic growth and controls on inflation, as the government announced the average salary of urban workers had risen 18 per cent year on year by the end of last month. Speaking at a weekend conference, National Bureau of Statistics economist Yao Jingyuan echoed similar calls by Premier Wen Jiabao and the Politburo, which are being taken as signs of a shift in economic policy. The government had highlighted the need to control overheating in the economy. 'Although the Chinese economy is facing many problems and uncertain factors, there is no change to the foundation supporting China's economic growth. This year, the Chinese economy will maintain its state of stable, rapid growth,' state media quoted Mr Yao as saying. The mainland's year-on-year gross domestic product growth slowed to 10.1 per cent in the second quarter from 10.6 per cent in the first quarter. Last year's growth rate was 11.9 per cent. 'We ought to fully realise the Chinese economy is facing contradictions and problems, especially that the economic structure is imbalanced and the pressure for price rises is excessive,' Mr Yao said, adding that the government would seek to support agriculture, increase market supply and strengthen supervision to fight inflation. The mainland's consumer price index rose 7.1 per cent last month. Despite signs inflation is slowing, residents are still feeling the impact. 'I don't earn a lot of money, but I have to spend an extra 300 to 400 yuan a month to buy food. Some of my neighbours would rather buy cheap vegetables that aren't fresh,' retired state worker Yi Zhaoqin said. As prices rise, the government is trying to make wages keep pace. The 18 per cent rise in the average salary of urban workers took the figure to 12,964 yuan (HK$14,850), the statistics bureau said yesterday. For state workers, salaries rose 17 per cent to 13,800 yuan. For employees of private companies wages rose 19.2 per cent to 12,610 yuan. But some workers say they have not received a raise. 'Prices have gone up sharply, but my company didn't raise my salary this year,' said Zhang Xiaochun , who works for a shipping company. 'My base pay is fixed, and my bonus is based on a monthly evaluation of my performance, which is unrelated to inflation.' Additional reporting by Lilian Zhang Urban pay Year on year rise took average urban worker's salary to HK$14,850 The annual pay increase, by the end of last month, was: 18%