Published by ChinaMNC · Beichuanqiangzu

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

A guide for foreign founders on navigating Sichuan's government information disclosure system, including proactive disclosure, filing requests, and timelines.

Accessing Government Information in Sichuan: A Guide for Foreign Founders

For foreign founders establishing or operating a business in Sichuan, understanding how to obtain government information is essential. The Sichuan Provincial People's Government has established a structured disclosure system under the Regulations on Open Government Information (State Council Order No. 711). This guide outlines the key mechanisms and procedures to help you navigate the process efficiently.

Proactive Disclosure: Information Available Without Request

The government proactively publishes certain categories of information to ensure transparency and support economic activities. According to the regulations, information involving public interests, widely known matters, or public participation in decision-making is disclosed proactively. For businesses, the following categories are particularly relevant:

• Major construction projects: Approval and implementation status of significant projects.
• Administrative licensing and penalties: Information on permits, fines, and other regulatory actions.
• Financial and procurement: Government budgets, centralized procurement, and administrative fees.
• Major livelihood issues: Policies and implementation related to poverty alleviation, education, healthcare, social security, and employment promotion; emergency plans and warnings for public incidents; and supervision of environmental protection, public health, work safety, food and drug safety, and product quality.
• Economic and social development: Plans, statistics, and related policies.

This information is disclosed within 20 working days from its formation or change, unless otherwise stipulated by laws and regulations. You can access it through various channels:

• The Sichuan Provincial People's Government Gazette
• The provincial government portal website
• Official social media accounts (e.g., "Sichuan Release" on Sina Weibo and WeChat, and the "Sichuan Provincial People's Government Website" Toutiao account)
• Government press conferences
• Other media such as radio, television, and newspapers
• Designated reading venues: Sichuan Provincial Government Affairs Service and Public Resource Trading Service Center, Sichuan Provincial Archives, and Sichuan Provincial Library

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. To ensure a smooth process, follow these steps:

1. Identify the Correct Authority

Before applying, determine which government body holds the information. Visit the provincial government portal, click on "Institutional Functions" to review the responsibilities and structure of provincial agencies. Then, submit your request to the appropriate authority through its designated channels. For example:

• Major construction project approval and feasibility studies: Apply to the Development and Reform Commission.
• Collective land expropriation: Apply to the Natural Resources Department.
• State-owned land house expropriation and compensation, shantytown renovation: Apply to the local city/county government and its housing and urban-rural development department.

The General Office of the Sichuan Provincial People's Government accepts requests for information held by the provincial government and its General Office. The Provincial Government Information Disclosure Office handles the specifics.

2. Submission Methods

You can submit a request in three ways:

• In person: Visit the government information disclosure request acceptance point at the Provincial Government Affairs Service Center. Obtain and fill out the Government Information Disclosure Application Form (available on-site) and submit it with valid identification.
• By mail: Send the completed application form along with a copy of your valid ID to the designated address.
• Online: Register on the Sichuan Government Affairs Service Network, complete identity verification, and submit your application online. You can track the progress through the platform.

For matters unrelated to government information disclosure—such as complaints, suggestions, or inquiries—use dedicated channels like the Governor's Mailbox, the 12345 online message board, or disciplinary reporting channels.

3. Completing the Application Form

The application form requires a clear description of the information sought. Include specific details such as the document name, reference number, or other identifying features to help authorities locate the information. If the description is unclear, the authority will provide guidance and may request supplementation within 7 working days. Failure to supplement without justification may result in the request being abandoned.

4. Processing and Response Times

Upon receiving a valid request, the authority will respond within 20 working days, unless an extension is necessary. Extensions up to 20 working days may be granted with written notice. The time taken to consult third parties or other agencies is not counted in the processing period. If a request is voluminous or frequent beyond reasonable limits, the authority may ask for justification and may extend the response time accordingly.

Possible responses include:

• Providing the information or informing you of how to obtain it.
• Informing you that the information is not held by the authority and, if known, identifying the responsible agency.
• Informing you that the request is a repeat and will not be processed again.
• Directing you to follow specific laws for certain information (e.g., business registration, real estate records).

The authority is not obligated to process or analyze existing information; it provides information as it is stored. The format of provision will be determined based on your request and practical considerations, such as cost or preservation of the original medium.

5. Fees

In accordance with the Measures for the Administration of Information Processing Fees for Government Information Disclosure (Guobanhan [2020] No. 109), fees may be charged for processing requests. Details are available from the authority.

6. Remedies

If you believe your lawful rights have been infringed in the disclosure process, you may file a complaint with the higher-level administrative organ or the competent department for government information disclosure. You may also apply for administrative reconsideration or initiate an administrative lawsuit.

Practical Tips for Foreign Founders

• Check proactive disclosure first: Many business-related documents, such as regulations, permits, and statistics, are already published online.
• Be specific: Clearly identify the information you need to avoid delays.
• Use online channels: The online application system allows for efficient submission and tracking.
• Keep records: Retain copies of your application and any correspondence for future reference.

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