Published by ChinaMNC · Yuexi

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

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

Why Government Information Matters for Foreign Founders

When setting up or running a business in Sichuan, foreign founders often need official documents—regulations, approvals, or policy details—to make informed decisions. The Sichuan Provincial People's Government provides a formal channel to access such information, ensuring transparency and supporting business operations. This article explains how the system works and how you can use it effectively.

Two Ways to Obtain Government Information

The government discloses information in two ways: proactively and upon request. Understanding the difference helps you save time.

Proactive Disclosure

Certain information is published routinely, without you needing to ask. According to the source, this includes items such as:

• Provincial government leadership and division of responsibilities, organizational structure, and work rules.
• Provincial regulations and normative documents issued by the provincial government and its General Office.
• Government work reports, important meetings, and major official activities.
• Economic and social development plans, statistical data, and related policies.
• Administrative licensing, penalties, and other public service matters.
• Fiscal budgets and final accounts, government procurement, and administrative fees.
• Approval and implementation status of major construction projects.
• Major livelihood areas: poverty alleviation, education, healthcare, social security, employment promotion, emergency plans for public incidents, environmental protection, public health, workplace safety, food and drug quality supervision.
• Personnel appointments and removals, civil service recruitment.
• Other information required by laws and regulations to be disclosed.

You can find this information through various channels: the Sichuan Provincial People's Government Gazette, the provincial government portal website, official social media accounts (such as “Sichuan Release” on Weibo and WeChat, and the “Sichuan Provincial People's Government Website” headline account), press conferences, and other media like radio, TV, and newspapers. Additionally, government information is available at the Sichuan Provincial Government Services and Public Resources Trading Service Center, the Sichuan Provincial Archives, and the Sichuan Provincial Library.

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

Upon Request

If you need information that is not proactively disclosed, you can file a request. The following sections outline the process.

How to File a Request

Step 1: Identify the Right Authority

First, determine which government body holds the information you need. Visit the Sichuan Provincial People's Government portal, click on “Institutional Functions” to learn about provincial agencies' responsibilities and structures. Then, based on the type of information, submit your request to the appropriate agency through its designated channel. For example:

• For approval information on major construction projects 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 house expropriation and compensation, or shantytown renovation, apply to the municipal or county government and its housing and urban-rural development department.

For requests directed to the provincial government or its General Office, the Office accepts applications and handles them according to the law. The Provincial Government Information Disclosure Office specifically handles such matters.

Step 2: Choose a Submission Method

You can submit a request in three ways:

• In person: Go to the government information disclosure application reception point at the Provincial Government Services Center. Collect and fill out the “Government Information Disclosure Application Form” (the Form) and submit it on the spot.
• By mail: Send the completed Form along with a copy of your valid ID.
• Online: Register on the Sichuan Government Services Network, log in, and submit your application online. You can track progress after selecting the application type and entering your details.

For in-person applications, bring your valid ID. For online applications, complete identity verification during registration.

Step 3: Fill Out the Form Correctly

The Form is available at the reception point or can be downloaded from the provincial government portal. Photocopies are acceptable. When describing the information you need, be as specific as possible—include the document name, reference number, or other details that help the agency locate it.

If your request is unclear, the agency will guide you and may ask for clarification within 7 working days. You will be informed of what needs to be corrected and given a reasonable deadline. If you fail to correct without justification, your application may be considered abandoned.

What to Expect After Submitting

The agency will respond within 20 working days from receipt of your request, unless an extension is needed. Extensions are possible with written notice, but the total period cannot exceed 40 working days. Time spent consulting third parties or other agencies is not counted. If your request is voluminous or frequent beyond reasonable limits, the agency may ask for justification.

Possible outcomes include:

• If the information is disclosable, you will receive it or be told how and when to access it.
• If the information is not held by the agency, you will be informed; if possible, you will be directed to the responsible agency.
• If the request is repetitive, the agency may decline to reprocess it.
• For certain information like business registration or real estate records, special laws may apply, and you will be advised accordingly.

The agency provides information in the form you request, but may use electronic formats or arrange for on-site inspection if providing copies would risk damaging the original or incur excessive costs. Note that the agency is not obligated to analyze or process existing information for you.

Fees and Appeals

Information processing fees may apply according to the State Council's fee management measures and provincial rules. If you believe your rights have been infringed, you can complain to a higher administrative body or the government information disclosure supervisory department, or pursue administrative reconsideration or litigation.

Practical Tips for Foreign Founders

• Before filing a request, check the proactive disclosure channels—you might find what you need faster.
• For matters like petitions, complaints, or suggestions, use dedicated channels such as the Governor's Mailbox, 12345 online message, or disciplinary reporting instead of information disclosure requests.
• Ensure your request clearly points to specific documents; vague descriptions may lead to delays.

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

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