Published by ChinaMNC · Meishan

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

A guide for foreign founders on requesting government information from the Sichuan Provincial People's Government and its General Office, including procedures, timelines, and practical tips.

Accessing Sichuan Government Information: A Guide for Foreign Founders

For foreign founders establishing or operating a company in Sichuan, understanding how to obtain government information can be essential for compliance and planning. This guide summarizes the official procedures for accessing information from the Sichuan Provincial People's Government and its General Office, based on the provincial government's information disclosure guide.

Proactive Disclosure: What Is Available Without Request

The Sichuan Provincial Government proactively publishes a wide range of information in accordance with the Regulations on Open Government Information (State Council Order No. 711). This includes:

• Government structure and rules: Provincial leadership and division of responsibilities, organizational setup, main duties, 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: Provincial government work reports, important meetings, and information on leaders' public 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: Budgets and final accounts, government centralized procurement, and administrative fee information.
• Major projects: Approval and implementation status of major construction projects.
• Livelihood issues: Policies and implementation on poverty alleviation, education, healthcare, social security, and employment promotion; emergency plans, early warnings, and responses to public emergencies; 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 relevant national provisions.

This information is made available through various channels: the Sichuan Provincial People's Government Gazette, the provincial government portal website, social media accounts (Sina Weibo, WeChat, and Toutiao), press conferences, and other media such as radio, television, and newspapers. Additionally, information can be accessed at the Sichuan Provincial Government Affairs Service and Public Resource Trading Service Center, the Sichuan Provincial Archives, and the Sichuan Provincial Library.

Information in the proactive disclosure scope is published within 20 working days from its formation or change, unless otherwise provided by laws or regulations.

Requesting Information: Procedures and Practical Tips

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 accepts requests submitted in person, by mail, or online.

Step 1: Identify the Correct Authority

Before submitting a request, determine which government body holds the information. For example:

• For major construction project approval and feasibility study reports, apply to the development and reform department.
• For collective land expropriation information, apply to the natural resources department.
• For state-owned land house expropriation and compensation, or shantytown renovation, apply to the municipal or county-level government and its housing and urban-rural development department.

You can check the portal website's "Institutional Functions" section for the responsibilities and setup of provincial administrative organs.

Step 2: Submit Your Request

Requests can be submitted through the following channels:

• In person: At the government information disclosure request acceptance point at the Provincial Government Affairs Service Center. You can obtain and fill out the "Government Information Disclosure Application Form" on site.
• By mail: Send the completed application form along with a copy of your valid ID.
• Online: Register on the Sichuan Government Affairs Service Network, complete identity verification, and submit your request online. You can track the progress after submission.

For in-person applications, bring your valid ID. For online applications, registration and identity verification are required.

Step 3: Describe the Information Clearly

Provide a specific description of the information you need. It is recommended to include the document name, document number, or other characteristic details that help the authority locate the information. If the request is unclear, the authority will provide guidance and may ask you to supplement within 7 working days. If you fail to supplement without justification, the request may be considered abandoned.

Step 4: Processing and Response

The authority will respond within 20 working days from receipt of the request. If an extension is needed, they will inform you in writing, and the extension will not exceed 20 working days. The time required to consult third parties or other agencies is not counted in the processing period. If the request is for information that is already publicly available, they will direct you to the source. If the information is not within their responsibility, they will inform you and, if possible, provide the name and contact of the responsible agency.

Note that the authority is not obligated to process or analyze existing information; they will provide it as it is. Fees for information processing may apply according to regulations.

Additional Considerations

• Before submitting a request, check the proactive disclosure channels to see if the information is already available.
• For complaints, suggestions, or inquiries, use dedicated channels such as the Governor's Mailbox or the 12345 online message service.
• If you believe your rights are infringed, you can complain to a higher administrative organ or the government information disclosure supervisory department, or apply for administrative reconsideration or file an administrative lawsuit.

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