Published by ChinaMNC · Qianfeng

How Foreign Founders Can Access Sichuan Government Information: A Practical Guide for China Company Registration

Learn how foreign founders can navigate Sichuan's government information disclosure system to support company registration and operations in China. This guide covers proactive disclosure, information requests, timelines, and fees, based on official sources.

What This Means for Your China Company Registration

As a foreign founder setting up a company in Sichuan or anywhere in China, access to reliable government information is crucial for compliance and planning. The Sichuan Provincial Government has established a formal system for public access to government information, governed by the Regulations on Open Government Information of the People's Republic of China (State Council Order No. 711). This system ensures transparency and provides businesses with the information they need to operate legally. Understanding how to use this system can help you navigate registration procedures, find relevant policies, and stay compliant.

Proactive Disclosure: Information Available Without Request

The Sichuan Provincial Government proactively publishes a wide range of information that can be valuable for foreign investors. This includes:

Government structure and rules: Leadership profiles, agency responsibilities, and internal work rules of the provincial government.
Regulations and normative documents: Provincial government rules and normative documents issued by the provincial government and its General Office.
Economic and social data: Provincial development plans, statistical information, and reports on economic and social development.
Administrative actions: Information on administrative licensing, penalties, and other regulatory matters.
Financial information: Government budgets, procurement details, and administrative fee schedules.
Major projects: Approval and implementation status of significant construction projects.
Livelihood issues: Policies and measures related to poverty alleviation, education, healthcare, social security, employment promotion, and public health and safety inspections.
Personnel matters: Appointment and removal of government officials, and civil service recruitment.

This information is published through various channels, including the Sichuan Provincial People's Government Gazette, the official website, social media accounts (such as "Sichuan Release" on Weibo and WeChat), press conferences, and other media like radio, television, and newspapers. Additionally, information is available at the Sichuan Provincial Government Service and Public Resource Trading Center, the Sichuan Provincial Archives, and the Sichuan Provincial Library.

For foreign founders, these proactive disclosures can provide insights into local regulations, economic plans, and administrative procedures that may affect your business. For example, checking development plans can help you identify priority industries or regions; reviewing administrative licensing information can clarify requirements for your business scope; and understanding government budgets and procurement can reveal potential opportunities.

Timelines for Proactive Disclosure

Government information that falls under proactive disclosure must be made public within 20 working days from the date it is formed or changed. If laws or regulations specify otherwise, those provisions apply.

Requesting Information: How to Ask for Specific Documents

If you need government information that is not proactively disclosed, you can file an information disclosure request with the Sichuan Provincial People's Government or its General Office. As a foreign founder, you may need specific documents related to your registration, such as approval processes, land use, or industry-specific regulations.

Step 1: Determine the Correct Agency

Before submitting a request, identify which agency holds the information you need. You can visit the Sichuan Provincial People's Government website and check the "Institutional Functions" section to understand the responsibilities of provincial agencies. Then, based on the type of information, submit your request to the appropriate agency through its designated channels. For example:

For major construction project approval information or feasibility study reports, apply to the Development and Reform Commission.
For information related to 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.

This step is crucial to avoid delays. If you are unsure, you can contact the agency for guidance before submitting.

Step 2: Submit Your Request

The General Office of the Sichuan Provincial People's Government accepts information disclosure requests submitted in person, by mail, or online. The process is handled by the Provincial Government Information Disclosure Office.

In person: You can go to the government information disclosure request reception point at the Provincial Government Service Center, obtain and fill out the Government Information Disclosure Application Form, and submit it on the spot.
By mail: Send the application form along with a copy of your valid identification document to the designated address.
Online: Register on the Sichuan Government Service Network, complete identity verification, and submit your application online. You can track the progress of your request.

When applying, provide a clear and specific description of the information you need. Include the document name, reference number, or other details that can help the agency locate the information. If your 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, your request may be considered abandoned.

Step 3: Processing and Response

After receiving your request, the agency will respond within 20 working days (unless an extension is needed, in which case you will be notified, and the extension cannot exceed another 20 working days). The time taken to consult third parties or other agencies is not counted. If your request is for a large volume or frequency of information, the agency may ask you to justify the request. If the justification is reasonable but the response cannot be made within the statutory period, the agency will inform you of a reasonable delay.

Possible outcomes include:

If the information can be disclosed, you will be provided with it or told how to obtain it.
If the information is not held by the agency, you will be informed; if possible, you will be given the name and contact details of the agency that holds it.
If the information has already been provided and you make a repeated request, the agency may decline to process it again.
For certain information like business registration or real estate registration data, you will be directed to follow specific laws and regulations.

The agency will provide information in the form you request, unless doing so would endanger the information carrier or incur excessive costs; in such cases, alternative formats or on-site inspection may be arranged.

Fees

According to the Measures for the Administration of Information Processing Fees for Government Information Disclosure (Guobanhan [2020] No. 109), the agency may charge information processing fees in accordance with relevant regulations. Be prepared for potential fees, especially for large or complex requests.

Practical Tips for Foreign Founders

Check proactive disclosure first: Before filing a request, search the government website and other channels to see if the information is already publicly available. This can save time and fees.
Use the right channels for other inquiries: For complaints, suggestions, or consultations, use dedicated channels such as the Governor's Mailbox, the 12345 online message board, or disciplinary reporting channels, rather than the information disclosure process.
Ensure your request is specific: Clearly state the documents or data you need, including any reference numbers or dates, to help the agency process your request efficiently.
Keep copies: Retain copies of your application and any correspondence for your records.
Seek professional advice: If you encounter difficulties or need assistance with the process, consider consulting with legal or business advisors who specialize in China market entry.

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 company registration and operations in China, foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535. Our team can help you navigate the regulatory landscape and ensure compliance.