Published by ChinaMNC · Jinjiang

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

A guide for foreign founders on accessing government information from the Sichuan Provincial People's Government and its General Office, covering proactive disclosure, application procedures, and practical tips for company registration and operations in China.

Accessing Sichuan Government Information: A Guide for Foreign Founders

For foreign founders establishing or operating a company in China, understanding how to obtain government information is essential for compliance and informed decision-making. This guide summarizes the key points from the Sichuan Provincial Government's official information disclosure guidelines, helping you navigate the process efficiently.

Proactive Disclosure: What Information Is Available

The Sichuan Provincial Government proactively discloses a wide range of information that may be relevant to your business. This includes:

• Government structure and rules: Provincial leadership profiles, organizational 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.
• Planning and statistics: 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: Budgets and final accounts, government centralized procurement, and administrative fee information.
• Major projects: Approval and implementation status of major construction projects.
• Key livelihood areas: Policies and implementation in poverty alleviation, education, healthcare, social security, and employment promotion; emergency plans, early warnings, and responses for 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, civil servant recruitment.
• Other information: As required by laws, regulations, and relevant national provisions.

Where to Find Proactively Disclosed Information

You can access this information through multiple channels:

• The Sichuan Provincial People's Government Gazette
• The Sichuan Provincial People's Government Portal Website
• Social media: "Sichuan Release" Sina Weibo, "Sichuan Release" WeChat public account, and the "Sichuan Provincial People's Government Website" Toutiao account
• Provincial government press conferences
• Other media: radio, television, newspapers, etc.
• Designated venues: Sichuan Provincial Government Affairs Service and Public Resource Trading Service Center, Sichuan Provincial Archives, and Sichuan Provincial Library.

Information within the proactive disclosure scope is published within 20 working days from the date of formation or change. If laws or regulations provide otherwise, those provisions apply.

Applying for Information: Step-by-Step

If you need government information that is not proactively disclosed, you can file an application. Here's how to do it correctly.

1. Identify the Correct Authority

Before applying, determine which agency holds the information. Visit the Sichuan Provincial People's Government Portal Website and click on "Institutional Functions" to learn about provincial administrative agencies' main responsibilities and organizational setup. Then, based on the type of information you need, submit your application to the appropriate agency through its designated channels and following its specific instructions.

For example:

• For major construction project approval information, feasibility study reports, etc., apply to the Development and Reform Department.
• For information related to collective land expropriation, apply to the Natural Resources Department.
• For information on state-owned land house expropriation and compensation, shantytown renovation, etc., apply to the city or county-level government where the applicant is located and its housing and urban-rural development department.

The General Office of the Sichuan Provincial People's Government accepts applications for information held by the provincial government and the General Office itself. The Provincial Government Information Disclosure Office specifically handles these matters.

2. Choose Your Submission Method

You can submit an application in three ways:

• In person: Visit the government information disclosure application reception point at the Provincial Government Affairs Service Center, collect the "Government Information Disclosure Application Form" (hereinafter the "Application Form"), fill it out, and submit it on the spot.
• By mail: Send the completed Application Form and a copy of your valid ID by post.
• Online: Register a user account on the Sichuan Government Affairs Service Network as prompted, log in, and submit an online application. Select the application type, enter your information (name, ID number, etc.), and you can track the progress online.

3. Tips for a Smooth Application

• Check proactive disclosure first: Before applying, search the channels mentioned above. If you cannot find the information, then submit an application.
• Use the correct form: The Application Form is available at the reception point and can be downloaded from the provincial government portal. Photocopies are valid. For online applications, fill it out electronically.
• Provide identification: For in-person applications, present a valid ID. For mail applications, attach a copy of your ID. For online applications, complete identity verification on the Sichuan Government Affairs Service Network before submission.
• Describe information clearly: Provide specific details such as the document name, reference number, or other characteristic descriptions that help the agency locate the information.
• Respond to requests for clarification: If your application is unclear, the agency will provide guidance and may ask you to supplement it within 7 working days. If you fail to do so without justification, the application may be considered abandoned.

4. Processing and Response

The agency will respond within 20 working days of receiving your application (or within 20 working days of receiving a corrected application). This period can be extended by up to 20 working days with written notice. Time spent consulting third parties or other agencies is not counted.

Possible responses include:

• If the information is disclosable, it will be provided or you will be informed of how and when to obtain it.
• If the information is not held by the agency, you will be told so, and if possible, directed to the responsible agency.
• If the request is repetitive, you will be informed that no repeated processing will occur.
• For information such as business registration or real estate registration data, you will be directed to follow relevant laws and administrative regulations.

If your request is deemed excessive in volume or frequency, the agency may ask for justification. If the justification is unreasonable, the request may be rejected; if reasonable but impossible to meet within the statutory period, a delayed response may be arranged.

Note that the agency is not obligated to process or analyze existing information beyond providing it as is. Information may be provided in a form different from your request if the requested form poses risks to the information carrier or entails excessive cost.

5. Fees and Dispute Resolution

Information processing fees may be charged in accordance with relevant regulations. If you believe your rights are infringed, you can complain to the higher-level agency or the government information disclosure supervisory department, or apply for administrative reconsideration or file an administrative lawsuit.

Practical Takeaways for Foreign Founders

Understanding these procedures can help you access the information you need to register your company, comply with regulations, and take advantage of available policies. Always start with proactive disclosure channels, identify the correct authority, and provide clear descriptions. For matters unrelated to government information disclosure—such as complaints, suggestions, or inquiries—use dedicated channels like the Governor's Mailbox, 12345 online message, or disciplinary reporting hotlines.

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

Need assistance with company registration or operations in China? Contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535 for expert guidance.