Published by ChinaMNC · Yuanyang

Navigating Government Information Disclosure in Xinxiang: A Guide for Foreign Founders

Practical guidance for foreign founders on accessing government information in Xinxiang, China, covering the scope, procedures, and key details of the Government Information Disclosure Guide.

Accessing Government Information in Xinxiang: What Foreign Founders Need to Know

For foreign founders setting up or operating a company in Xinxiang, understanding how to access government information is essential for compliance and informed decision-making. The Xinxiang Municipal People’s Government Office has published a guide on government information disclosure, detailing the procedures and rules for obtaining information from government agencies. This article summarizes the key points from that guide, tailored for foreign entrepreneurs.

Scope of Government Information Disclosure

The guide is based on the Regulations on Open Government Information (promulgated by State Council Order No. 492 and revised by Order No. 711). It aims to provide information services to citizens, legal persons, and other organizations. Government information is cataloged electronically and includes key elements such as index number, information category, information name, generation date, and publishing agency.

Key Elements of Government Information

• Index Number: A unique code assigned for easy retrieval, consisting of unit code, classification number, year of generation, and serial number, separated by hyphens.
• Information Name: The title that reflects the content and form of the information. For documents, it is the official title; if lacking, a concise descriptive title is created.
• Generation Date: The date the information is officially formed or changed. For government documents, it is the issuance date; for non-document information, it is the date the information becomes fully available to the public. Format: YYYY-MM-DD.
• Publishing Agency: The responsible entity. For joint documents, the agency that prepared the document number is considered the publisher; for non-documents, the lead agency.

How to Access Government Information

Information in the active disclosure scope is published within 20 working days from its formation or change. You can access it through:

• Official Website: The Xinxiang Municipal People’s Government portal (https://www.xinxiang.gov.cn) provides online access to government bulletins, with search, download, and print functions.
• Government Bulletin: Available in paper form at municipal, county, and township government service halls, as well as at the Xinxiang Library and Archives. The online version is accessible via the portal.
• Press Conferences: The Xinxiang Municipal Government holds press conferences to disseminate information.

Requesting Information Not Publicly Available

If you need government information that is not proactively disclosed, you can file a request with the Municipal Government Office’s Government Information Disclosure Office. The office will provide information as it exists, without processing or analyzing it.

How to Submit a Request

• In Person: Visit the office with valid identification and a completed application form. Call ahead to confirm. Oral requests are accepted if writing is difficult.
• By Mail: Download and fill out the application form from the “Government Information Disclosure – Disclosure Guide” section on the portal. Mail it via China Post (only China Post is accepted) with “Government Information Disclosure Application” marked on the envelope.
• Not Accepted: Requests via phone or email are not accepted, but you can use these channels for inquiries.

Processing Timeline

• Acknowledgment: If the request is unclear, the office will notify you within 7 working days to make corrections, typically within 7 working days. Failure to correct without justification may result in the request being abandoned.
• Response: The office processes requests in order. If it can respond immediately, it will do so. Otherwise, it will respond within 20 working days. Extensions of up to 20 working days may be granted with notification.
• Third-Party Consultation: If the information involves third-party rights or other agencies, consultation time is not counted in the processing period.

Possible Outcomes

• If the information is not within the agency’s responsibility, you will be informed with reasons and, if possible, directed to the responsible agency.
• Repeat requests for the same information may be rejected.
• For information subject to special laws (e.g., business registration, real estate), you will be guided accordingly.
• If part of the information is exempt from disclosure, the disclosable portion will be provided with reasons for exemptions.
• Requests made as petitions, complaints, or reports will not be treated as information disclosure requests.
• Requests for public publications (e.g., bulletins, newspapers) will be directed to the appropriate channels.

Fees

Generally, no fee is charged for providing information. However, if requests are excessively frequent or voluminous, an information processing fee may apply according to the State Council Office’s measures. If a fee is charged, you will be notified with details, and payment must be made within 20 working days.

Important Notes

• Provide accurate personal information and valid identification.
• Describe the requested information clearly (e.g., title, document number).
• If using an agent, provide authorization proof; for group requests (5+ people), select 1-5 representatives with proof.

Office Hours and Contact

• Office Hours: Legal working days: Summer 8:30-12:00, 15:00-18:30; Winter 8:30-12:00, 14:30-18:00.
• Email: [email protected] (for comments and suggestions only; not for submitting requests).

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.