Published by ChinaMNC · Nanxi

A Practical Guide to Accessing Sichuan Government Information for Foreign Founders

Foreign founders operating in Sichuan can use the provincial government's information disclosure system to obtain official documents, policies, and records. This guide explains what information is proactively published, how to request specific documents, and the timelines and procedures involved.

Why Government Information Matters for Foreign Founders

When setting up or running a company in Sichuan, foreign founders often need official government information—such as regulations, policy documents, approval records, or statistics—to make informed decisions. The Sichuan Provincial People's Government has established a structured information disclosure system under the Regulations on Open Government Information of the People's Republic of China (State Council Order No. 711). This article outlines how that system works and how foreign founders can use it effectively.

What Information Is Proactively Disclosed

Government bodies in Sichuan must proactively publish certain categories of information that affect the public interest or require broad awareness. For foreign founders, the following categories may be particularly relevant:

• Regulations and normative documents: Provincial government rules and normative documents issued by the provincial government and its General Office.
• Administrative licensing and penalties: Information on administrative licenses, penalties, compulsory measures, and other external management services.
• Financial and procurement information: Government budgets and final accounts, centralized government procurement, and administrative fees.
• Major construction projects: Approval and implementation status of significant construction projects.
• Livelihood-related policies: Policies and measures on poverty alleviation, education, healthcare, social security, and employment promotion, as well as emergency plans and warnings for public incidents, and supervision of environmental protection, public health, work safety, food and drug safety, and product quality.
• Economic and social development plans: Provincial economic and social development plans, special plans, regional plans, and related policies, along with statistical information.
• Personnel matters: Provincial government personnel appointments and removals, and civil servant recruitment.
• Government operations: Provincial government work reports, important meetings, and leaders' attendance at major events.
• Other information: Any other information that laws, regulations, or rules require to be proactively disclosed.

This information is published through multiple channels, including the Sichuan Provincial People's Government Gazette, the provincial government portal website, official social media accounts (such as "Sichuan Release" on Sina Weibo and WeChat, and the "Sichuan Provincial People's Government Website" Toutiao account), press conferences, and other media like radio, television, and newspapers. In addition, government 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.

Proactively disclosed information is typically made public within 20 working days from the date it is formed or changed, unless otherwise provided by laws or regulations.

How to Request Information That Is Not Proactively Disclosed

If the information you need is not proactively published, you can file a request with the relevant government agency. Foreign founders should first identify the correct agency to address. The Sichuan Provincial People's Government portal website provides an "Institutional Functions" section where you can look up the responsibilities and organizational structure of provincial administrative agencies.

For specific types of information, different departments are responsible:

• Major construction projects: For project approval information or feasibility study reports, apply to the Development and Reform Commission.
• Collective land expropriation: Apply to the Natural Resources Department.
• State-owned land housing expropriation and compensation, shantytown renovation: Apply to the municipal or county-level government where the applicant is located, or its housing and urban-rural development department.

The General Office of the Sichuan Provincial People's Government accepts requests submitted in person, by mail, or online. The Provincial Government Information Disclosure Office handles the specifics.

Submission Methods

• In person: Visit the government information disclosure request reception point at the Provincial Government Affairs Service Center, obtain and fill out the Government Information Disclosure Application Form, and submit it on the spot. 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 Affairs Service Network, complete identity verification, and submit your application online. You can track the progress through the system.

When filling out the application, describe the information you need as precisely as possible—ideally providing the document name, reference number, or other details that will help the agency locate it. If the request is unclear, the agency will provide guidance and may ask you to supplement it within 7 working days. If you fail to do so without justification, the request may be considered abandoned.

Processing Timelines and Fees

After receiving a request, the agency will respond within 20 working days, unless an extension is necessary. Extensions require approval from the head of the information disclosure office and written notice to the applicant, with a maximum extension of another 20 working days. Time spent consulting third parties or other agencies is not counted in the processing period. If a supplement is needed, the response period starts from the date the supplement is received.

If a request is deemed to exceed a reasonable number or frequency, the agency may ask for justification. If the justification is unreasonable, the request may be rejected. If reasonable but cannot be answered within the statutory period, the agency will set a reasonable delayed response time and inform the applicant.

Information processing fees may apply in accordance with the Measures for the Administration of Government Information Disclosure Information Processing Fees (Guobanhan [2020] No. 109) and provincial regulations. The agency will provide information in the form requested if possible; if that poses risks to the information carrier or is too costly, it may provide electronic data or arrange for on-site inspection.

What If Your Request Is Denied or You Are Dissatisfied?

If you believe your legitimate rights have been infringed in the information disclosure process, you can file a complaint or report with the higher-level administrative agency or the competent department for government information disclosure. You may also apply for administrative reconsideration or initiate an administrative lawsuit according to law.

For matters unrelated to government information disclosure—such as petitions, complaints, reports, consultations, or suggestions—use dedicated channels like the Governor's Mailbox, the 12345 online message board, or disciplinary inspection reporting channels.

Key Takeaways for Foreign Founders

• Check proactively disclosed information first; it covers many topics relevant to business operations.
• Identify the correct agency before filing a request; the portal's "Institutional Functions" section helps.
• Be specific in your request to avoid delays.
• Expect responses within 20 working days, with possible extensions.
• Fees may apply for information processing.

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