Published by ChinaMNC · Meigu

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

A guide for foreign founders on requesting and accessing government information from the Sichuan Provincial People's Government and its General Office, based on the official government information disclosure guide.

Why Government Information Matters for Foreign Founders

When setting up or running a company in China, foreign founders often need official government information—from regulations and policies to project approvals and public service announcements. Sichuan Province has a structured process for accessing such information, governed by the Regulations on Open Government Information of the People's Republic of China (State Council Order No. 711). This article explains how foreign founders can navigate the system to obtain the information they need.

Proactive Disclosure: Information Already Available

The Sichuan Provincial People's Government and its General Office proactively publish a wide range of government information. This includes:

• Leadership and division of work, institutional setup, main responsibilities, and work rules.
• Provincial government regulations and normative documents issued by the government and its General Office.
• Government work reports, important meetings, and information on leaders' attendance at major events.
• National economic and social development plans, special plans, regional plans, and related policies, as well as statistical information.
• Administrative licensing, penalties, compulsory measures, and other external management services.
• Financial budgets and final accounts, government centralized procurement, and administrative fees.
• Approval and implementation of major construction projects.
• Major livelihood issues: policies and implementation on poverty alleviation, education, healthcare, social security, and employment promotion; emergency plans, early warnings, and responses for public emergencies; supervision and inspection of environmental protection, public health, work safety, food and drug safety, and product quality.
• Personnel appointments and removals, and civil servant recruitment.
• Other information that laws, regulations, and rules require to be proactively disclosed.

This information is typically published within 20 working days from its formation or change, unless otherwise provided by law.

Where to Find Proactively Disclosed Information

Foreign founders can access this information through multiple channels:

• The Sichuan Provincial People's Government Gazette.
• The official website of the Sichuan Provincial People's Government.
• 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.
• In-person reading at: Sichuan Provincial Government Government Services and Public Resource Trading Service Center, Sichuan Provincial Archives, and Sichuan Provincial Library.

Requesting Information Not Proactively Disclosed

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 is the designated recipient for such requests.

Step 1: Identify the Correct Authority

Before applying, determine which government body holds the information. The provincial government portal's "Institutional Functions" section provides details on provincial departments' responsibilities and setups. For example:

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

Step 2: Submit Your Application

Applications can be submitted in three ways:

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

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

Step 3: Describe Your Request Clearly

Provide a specific description of the information you need—such as the document name, reference number, or other details that help locate it. If your request is unclear, the authority will guide you and may ask for clarification within 7 working days. If you fail to clarify without valid reason, your application may be considered abandoned.

Step 4: Processing and Response

The authority will respond within 20 working days of receiving your application. If an extension is needed, they will inform you in writing, with a maximum extension of another 20 working days. The time taken to consult third parties is not counted. If the information can be disclosed, you will be told how and when to access it. If it is not held by the authority, they will inform you and, if possible, direct you to the correct body. If the information is already publicly available or you have made a repeat request, they may decline to reprocess it.

Step 5: Fees and Appeals

Information processing fees may apply according to regulations. If you believe your rights are infringed, you can complain to a higher authority or the government information disclosure supervisory department, or apply for administrative reconsideration or file an administrative lawsuit.

Practical Tips for Foreign Founders

• Check proactively disclosed information first—it is often faster.
• For matters like complaints, suggestions, or inquiries, use dedicated channels such as the Governor's Mailbox, 12345 online message, or disciplinary reporting hotlines.
• Ensure your request is specific to avoid delays.
• Keep copies of your application and any correspondence.

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

Need assistance? Foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535 for help registering and operating a company in China.