Published by ChinaMNC · Batang

How Foreign Founders Can Access Sichuan Government Information: A Practical Guide

A guide for foreign founders on requesting and accessing government information from the Sichuan Provincial People's Government and its General Office, covering proactive disclosure, application procedures, processing times, and fees.

Accessing Sichuan Government Information: What Foreign Founders Need to Know

For foreign founders establishing or operating a company in Sichuan, access to government information can be crucial for compliance, planning, and understanding the regulatory environment. The Sichuan Provincial People's Government has published a guide on government information disclosure, outlining how individuals and organizations—including foreign-invested enterprises—can obtain official information. This article summarizes the key points from that guide, tailored for foreign founders.

Proactive Disclosure: Information Available Without Request

The Sichuan Provincial Government proactively discloses certain categories of information in accordance with the Regulations on Open Government Information (State Council Order No. 711). This information is made available through various channels, including the provincial government gazette, the official website, social media accounts (such as Weibo and WeChat), press conferences, and other media like radio, television, and newspapers. Additionally, information can be accessed at the Sichuan Provincial Government Services and Public Resources Trading Center, the Sichuan Provincial Archives, and the Sichuan Provincial Library.

The scope of proactive disclosure includes, but is not limited to:

• Government structure and leadership: Profiles and division of work of provincial leaders, institutional setup, main responsibilities, and work rules.
• Regulations and normative documents: Provincial government rules and normative documents issued by the provincial government and its General Office.
• Work reports and meetings: Government work reports, important meetings, and major official activities.
• Planning and statistics: National economic and social development plans, special plans, regional plans, related policies, and statistical information.
• Administrative matters: Administrative licensing, penalties, compulsory measures, and other external management services.
• Financial information: Fiscal budgets and final accounts, government centralized procurement, and administrative fees.
• Major projects: Approval and implementation status of major construction projects.
• Livelihood issues: Policies and implementation related to poverty alleviation, education, healthcare, social security, employment promotion; emergency plans, early warnings, and responses to public incidents; supervision and inspection of environmental protection, public health, work safety, food and drug safety, and product quality.
• Personnel matters: Personnel appointments and removals, and civil servant recruitment.
• Other information: As required by laws, regulations, and rules.

Proactively disclosed information is published within 20 working days from the date of formation or change, unless otherwise provided by laws or regulations.

Requesting Information: Application Process

If the information you need is not proactively disclosed, you can file a request with the Sichuan Provincial People's Government or its General Office. The General Office is responsible for accepting and processing such requests. Here’s how to proceed:

1. Determine the Correct Authority

Before applying, identify the appropriate government body. For example, for information on major construction project approvals and feasibility studies, apply to the development and reform department. For land expropriation, apply to the natural resources department. For state-owned land housing expropriation and compensation, or shantytown renovation, apply to the municipal or county-level government or its housing and urban-rural development department. You can check the institutional functions on the provincial government portal to find the right agency.

2. Submission Methods

The General Office accepts requests submitted in person, by mail, or online:

• In person: Visit the government information disclosure application acceptance point at the Provincial Government Services Center to obtain and submit the application form.
• By mail: Send the completed application form along with a copy of your valid ID.
• Online: Register on the Sichuan Government Services Network, complete identity verification, and submit your application online. You can track the progress through the system.

3. Completing the Application Form

The application form is available at the acceptance point or can be downloaded from the provincial government website. Copies are valid. For in-person applications, bring your valid ID; for online applications, complete real-name authentication. Describe the requested information clearly, including the name, document number, or other identifying details to help locate the information.

4. Processing and Response

If your application is unclear, the authority will provide guidance and may request supplementation within 7 working days. If you fail to supplement without justification, the application may be deemed abandoned. The authority will respond within 20 working days from receipt of the application (or from receipt of supplemented materials). If an extension is needed, they will notify you in writing, and the extension will not exceed another 20 working days. Time spent consulting third parties is not counted.

Possible responses include:

• Providing the requested information or informing you of the manner, channel, and time to obtain it.
• If the information is not within the authority’s responsibility, informing you and, if possible, providing the name and contact of the responsible agency.
• If the request is repetitive, informing you that no repeated processing will be done.
• For information such as business registration or real estate registration, informing you to follow relevant laws and administrative regulations.

If the volume or frequency of requests is clearly beyond a reasonable scope, the authority may ask for justification. If the justification is unreasonable, the request may not be processed.

5. Fees

In accordance with regulations, information processing fees may be charged based on the State Council General Office’s measures and provincial rules.

6. Remedies

If you believe your lawful rights are infringed, you can complain or report to the higher-level administrative organ or the competent department for government information disclosure, or apply for administrative reconsideration or file an administrative lawsuit.

Practical Tips for Foreign Founders

• Check proactive channels first: Many commonly needed documents, such as regulations and statistics, are already published online.
• Be specific: Clearly describe the information you need to speed up processing.
• Use online services: The online application system allows for efficient submission and tracking.
• Seek local support: Consider engaging local professionals or consultants familiar with government procedures if language or process barriers exist.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.