China had allocated 562 billion yuan ($82.3 billion) for public works projects by the end of May, accounting for 61.9 percent of its central budget this year, the Ministry of Finance said in an statement yesterday.

More than half of the allocated funds went toward rural development and prominent infrastructure construction, according to the ministry.

A total of 138.1 billion yuan was invested in projects that enhance rural infrastructure and improve living standards in the countryside via the construction of irrigation facilities, power grids and paved roads.