Published by ChinaMNC · Huaying

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

A guide for foreign founders on how to obtain government information from the Sichuan Provincial People's Government and its General Office, covering proactive disclosure, application procedures, and practical tips.

Why Government Information Matters for Foreign Founders

When setting up or running a company in Sichuan, foreign founders often need official information—from regulations and permits to policies on taxation, land use, or industry-specific rules. The Sichuan Provincial People's Government and its General Office publish a significant amount of information proactively and also allow the public to request specific documents. Understanding how to navigate this system can save time and help ensure compliance.

This article summarizes the key points from the official guide on government information disclosure, tailored for foreign founders. It explains what information is published automatically, how to request information that is not proactively disclosed, and what to expect during the process.

What Information Is Proactively Disclosed

Under the Regulations on Open Government Information (State Council Order No. 711), the Sichuan Provincial Government proactively publishes a wide range of information. For foreign founders, the most relevant categories include:

• Regulations and normative documents issued by the provincial government and its General Office, which may affect business operations.
• Plans and policies related to economic and social development, including special and regional plans, as well as statistical information.
• Administrative licensing, penalties, and other management matters that could impact business activities.
• Approval and implementation details for major construction projects, which may be relevant if you are involved in infrastructure or large-scale investments.
• Policies and measures on livelihood issues such as poverty alleviation, education, healthcare, social security, and employment promotion—these can inform your CSR strategy or workforce planning.
• Emergency plans, warnings, and responses to public incidents, as well as supervision and inspection results on environmental protection, public health, work safety, food and drug safety, and product quality.

Additionally, the government publishes information through various channels: the provincial government gazette, the official portal website, social media accounts (Sina Weibo, WeChat, Toutiao), press conferences, and other media like radio, TV, and newspapers. You can also access information at designated physical locations: the Sichuan Provincial Government Affairs Service Center, the Sichuan Provincial Archives, and the Sichuan Provincial Library.

Information that falls under proactive disclosure is made public within 20 working days from the date it is formed or changed, unless laws or regulations specify otherwise.

How to Request Information That Is Not Proactively Disclosed

If you need government information that is not proactively published, you can file an application. The General Office of the Sichuan Provincial People's Government accepts applications submitted in person, by mail, or online.

Step 1: Identify the Correct Agency

Before applying, determine which government body holds the information you need. For example:

• For information on major construction project approvals or feasibility studies, 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 municipal or county-level government and its housing and urban-rural development department where you are located.

You can check the responsibilities and organizational structure of provincial agencies on the Sichuan Provincial Government Portal under "Institutional Functions." This helps ensure your application goes to the right place.

Step 2: Prepare and Submit Your Application

Complete the Government Information Disclosure Application Form, which is available at the in-person application point (at the Provincial Government Affairs Service Center) or can be downloaded from the portal. Photocopies are accepted. For online applications, you must register and complete identity verification on the Sichuan Government Affairs Service Network before submitting.

When submitting:

• In person: bring a valid ID.
• By mail: include a copy of your valid ID with the form.
• Online: register and verify your identity, then fill out the form online.

Describe the information you need as clearly and specifically as possible—ideally including the document name, reference number, or other details that will help the agency locate it.

Step 3: What to Expect After Applying

If your application is unclear, the agency will provide guidance and may ask you to supplement it within 7 working days from receipt. If you fail to supplement without justification, the application may be treated as abandoned.

The agency will respond within 20 working days from receipt of the application. 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 or other agencies is not counted in this period.

Possible outcomes include:

• If the information can be disclosed, you will receive it or be told how and when to obtain it.
• If the information is not held by the agency, they will inform you and, if possible, provide the name and contact details of the responsible agency.
• If the information has already been provided in response to a previous identical request, the agency may decline to process it again.
• For information such as business registration or real estate registration data, special laws may apply, and you will be directed accordingly.

Note that the agency is not required to process or analyze existing information to create new content. Also, if your request is excessively frequent or voluminous, the agency may ask for justification and may decline if unreasonable.

Practical Tips for Foreign Founders

• Check proactive disclosure first: Many documents are already online. Search the portal before filing a request.
• Use the right channel for complaints or inquiries: Matters related to petitions, complaints, reports, or suggestions should go through dedicated channels such as the Governor's Mailbox, the 12345 online message system, or disciplinary reporting lines—not the information disclosure process.
• Be specific: Clearly identify the document you need. This speeds up processing.
• Fees may apply: Information processing fees are charged according to regulations, so budget accordingly.
• Know your rights: If you believe your lawful rights have been infringed, you can complain to a higher-level agency or the government information disclosure supervision department, or seek administrative reconsideration or litigation.

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