Published by ChinaMNC · Linli

How Foreign Founders Can Access Changde Government Information: A Guide to Transparency

A practical guide for foreign founders on requesting and obtaining government information from the Changde Municipal People's Government, including procedures, timelines, and contacts.

Understanding Government Information Access in Changde

For foreign founders establishing or operating a company in China, access to government information is essential for compliance and informed decision-making. The Changde Municipal People's Government has published a guide explaining how the public, including foreign investors, can obtain government information. This article summarizes the key points from that guide, focusing on practical steps for foreign founders.

What Information Is Available?

The Changde government actively discloses information that affects public interests, requires broad public awareness, or needs public participation in decision-making. This proactive disclosure is based on the Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Open Government Information (State Council Order No. 711). The government continually expands proactively disclosed content in line with higher-level directives and local conditions.

For information not proactively disclosed, individuals and organizations can submit a request. The government provides the requested information as held, without compiling, analyzing, or processing it beyond what is necessary.

Channels for Accessing Government Information

Official WeChat Account

Follow the "Changde Municipal People's Government" WeChat official account by searching for that name in WeChat or scanning the QR code provided on the government website.

Government Gazette

The Changde Municipal People's Government Gazette is available in paper form at the Changde Archives and the Changde Government Service Center. The electronic version can be accessed on the government portal's Government Gazette column (URL: https://www.changde.gov.cn/zwgk/zfgb/index.html).

How to Submit a Request

To request government information, applicants must complete the Changde Municipal People's Government Information Disclosure Application Form in writing. The form is available at the receiving office or can be downloaded from the government portal. Copies are valid.

Submissions can be made in several ways:

• In person: Submit the form at the designated office.
• By mail: Mark "Government Information Disclosure Application" on the lower left corner of the envelope.
• By fax: Clearly indicate "Government Information Disclosure Application" on the fax.
• Online: Use the "Request for Disclosure" system on the government portal's Government Information Disclosure section. After submission, track progress with the provided query code.
• By email: Send the electronic form to [email protected].

Processing Timelines and Responses

For proactively disclosed information, the government publishes it within 20 working days from formation or change. For requests, the government responds within 20 working days of receipt. If an extension is needed, the head of the information disclosure office may approve an extension of up to 20 additional working days, with notification to the applicant.

If a request is unclear, the government will provide guidance and request clarification within 7 working days, specifying what needs to be corrected and a reasonable deadline. The response period starts after clarification is received. Failure to clarify without justification is treated as withdrawal of the request.

Responses may include:

• Providing the information or explaining how and when to obtain it.
• Informing the applicant if the information is not within the government's responsibility, with reasons, and if possible, the name and contact of the responsible agency.
• Informing the applicant that repeated requests for the same information will not be processed again.
• Directing applicants to specific laws for information such as business registration or real estate records.

Fees and Exceptions

Government information is provided free of charge. However, if the number or frequency of requests clearly exceeds a reasonable scope, the government may charge a fee according to the Measures for the Administration of Information Processing Fees for Government Information Disclosure (Guobanhan [2020] No. 109).

Certain information is not disclosed:

• Information classified as state secrets, prohibited by laws or regulations, or that could endanger national security, public safety, economic security, or social stability.
• Information involving trade secrets or personal privacy that would harm third-party rights, unless the third party consents or non-disclosure would significantly affect public interest.
• Process information such as discussion records, drafts, correspondence, and requests for instructions, as well as administrative law enforcement case files, unless laws or regulations require disclosure.

Contact Information

The Changde Municipal People's Government has designated the Changde Data Bureau (Changde Administrative Approval Service Bureau) as the government information disclosure office. The office is open Monday to Friday, 8:00–12:00 and 14:30–17:30 (winter) or 15:00–18:00 (summer), excluding national holidays.

Additionally, the General Office of the Changde Municipal People's Government has designated the Comprehensive Section II as a government information disclosure office, with the same office hours.

For complaints or reports regarding information disclosure, citizens or organizations may contact the higher-level administrative organ or the competent department for government information disclosure, or apply for administrative reconsideration or file an administrative lawsuit.

Website contact: Changde Government Website, 2533 Liuye Avenue, Wuling District, Changde (4th Floor, Zhangyu Garden). Technical support: 0736-7755111.

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

Call to action: Foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535 for help registering and operating a company in China.