Published by ChinaMNC · Guangan

How Foreign Founders Can Access Sichuan Government Information: A Guide to Open Government Rules

A practical overview of Sichuan Province's government information disclosure rules for foreign entrepreneurs, covering proactive disclosure, application procedures, and where to find key business-related information.

Understanding Government Information Disclosure in Sichuan

For foreign founders setting up or running a company in Sichuan, access to official government information is essential for compliance, planning, and due diligence. The Sichuan Provincial People's Government has established a structured framework for public access to government information, based on the national Regulation on Open Government Information (State Council Order No. 711). This article summarizes the key aspects of that framework, focusing on what foreign entrepreneurs need to know.

Proactive Disclosure: Information the Government Publishes

Sichuan authorities proactively release a wide range of government information that affects public interests or requires public awareness. For foreign founders, this includes:

• Business and investment-related information: provincial regulations, normative documents, administrative licensing and penalties, and government procurement details.
• Major construction projects: approval and implementation status of significant projects, which can be relevant for joint ventures or large investments.
• Financial and economic data: provincial economic and social development plans, statistical information, and fiscal budgets and final accounts.
• Public safety and health: emergency plans, early warnings, and inspection results for environmental protection, public health, workplace safety, food and drug safety, and product quality.
• Social and livelihood policies: measures and implementation related to poverty alleviation, education, healthcare, social security, and employment promotion.
• Personnel matters: appointments and removals of provincial government officials, and civil service recruitment.

This information is made available through multiple channels, including the Sichuan Provincial People's Government Gazette, the official government portal website, social media accounts (such as Weibo, WeChat, and Toutiao under the name “Sichuan Release”), press conferences, and other media like radio, television, and newspapers. Additionally, government information can be accessed at designated reading venues: the Sichuan Provincial Government Services and Public Resources Trading Service Center, the Sichuan Provincial Archives, and the Sichuan Provincial Library.

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

Requesting Information: How to Apply

Beyond proactively published information, individuals and organizations—including foreign founders—can apply for specific government information from the Sichuan Provincial People's Government or its General Office. Here is a step-by-step guide to the application process:

1. Identify the Correct Authority

Before applying, determine which government body holds the information you need. The Sichuan Provincial Government portal's “Institutional Functions” section provides details on the responsibilities and structure of provincial agencies. For example:

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

2. Submit an Application

The General Office of the Sichuan Provincial People's Government accepts applications in three ways: in person, by mail, and online.

• In person: Visit the government information disclosure application reception point at the Sichuan Provincial Government Services Center to obtain and submit a completed Government Information Disclosure Application Form. Bring a valid ID.
• 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 Services Network, complete identity verification, and submit your application electronically. You can track the progress online.

Applications must clearly describe the information sought—ideally including the document name, reference number, or other identifying details.

3. Processing and Response

The authority will respond within 20 working days of receiving the application. If an extension is needed, it may be extended by up to another 20 working days, with written notice. If the application is unclear, the authority will provide guidance and may request a correction within 7 working days. If the information is already publicly available, the authority may direct you to the source. If the information is not held by the authority, it will inform you and, if possible, identify the responsible agency.

Note that the authority is not required to process or analyze existing information; it provides access to records as they are. Fees for information processing may apply in accordance with national regulations.

Practical Tips for Foreign Founders

• Check public sources first: Many business-related regulations, policies, and statistics are proactively published. Review the government portal and gazette before submitting an application.
• Use the right channels for complaints: Matters such as petitions, complaints, or suggestions should be directed to specialized channels like the Governor's Mailbox or the 12345 online message system, not through information disclosure requests.
• Be specific: Clearly describe the information you need to avoid delays.
• Seek local assistance: If language or procedural barriers arise, consider engaging a local advisor familiar with government processes.

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

For personalized assistance with registering and operating a company in China, foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535.