Published by ChinaMNC · Hanshou

How Foreign Founders Can Access Government Information in Changde: A Practical Guide

A guide for foreign founders on requesting and obtaining government information from the Changde Municipal People's Government, covering disclosure rules, application procedures, fees, and contact details.

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

For foreign founders establishing or operating a company in Changde, understanding how to obtain government information is essential for compliance and informed decision-making. The Changde Municipal People's Government has published a guide on government information disclosure, outlining the procedures for requesting information that is not proactively disclosed. This article summarizes the key points from that guide, tailored for foreign entrepreneurs.

Proactive Disclosure: Information Available Without Request

The Changde government follows the principle of making disclosure the norm and non-disclosure the exception. It proactively publishes information that affects public interests, requires broad public awareness, or needs public participation in decision-making. Proactive disclosure occurs within 20 working days from the formation or modification of the information, unless other laws or regulations specify different timelines.

Foreign founders can access proactively disclosed information through several channels:

• Official Website: The Changde Municipal People's Government portal (https://www.changde.gov.cn) hosts a dedicated government information disclosure section, including an electronic version of the government gazette.
• WeChat Account: Follow the official WeChat public account “常德市人民政府” (Changde Municipal People's Government) by searching the name on WeChat.
• Printed Gazette: The Changde Municipal People's Government Gazette is available for reading at the Changde Municipal Archives and the Changde Government Service Center.

Requesting Information: Step-by-Step

If the information you need is not proactively disclosed, you can file a request. The government will provide information based on the actual state of the information it holds; it will not compile, analyze, process, or create new information to fulfill a request.

1. Obtain the Application Form

Fill out the “Changde Municipal People's Government Information Disclosure Application Form” (the Application Form). You can obtain a copy at the receiving office or download it from the Changde government portal. Copies are valid.

2. Submit Your Application

You can submit the form through multiple channels:

• In Person: Hand in the form at the receiving office.
• By Mail: Send the form via postal mail, and write “Government Information Disclosure Application” on the lower left corner of the envelope.
• By Fax: Fax the form, and clearly mark “Government Information Disclosure Application” on the cover page.
• Online: Use the “Application for Disclosure” system on the Changde government portal. After submission, you will receive a query code to track the status.
• By Email: Send the electronic form to [email protected].

3. Clarification and Correction

If your request is unclear, the government will provide guidance and may ask you to correct or supplement it within 7 working days from receipt. The response period then starts from the date the corrected application is received. If you fail to correct without justification, the application may be considered abandoned.

4. Processing and Response

The government will respond within 20 working days from receiving your application. If an extension is needed, it may extend for up to another 20 working days after notifying you. If the information can be answered on the spot, it will be provided immediately.

Possible responses include:

• Providing the requested information or informing you how and when to obtain it.
• Explaining that the information is not within the government's disclosure responsibility, and if possible, identifying the responsible agency.
• Informing you that repeated requests for the same information will not be processed again.
• Directing you to specific laws or regulations for information such as business registration or real estate records.

What Information May Be Withheld

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 could harm third-party rights, unless the third party consents or non-disclosure would significantly harm public interest.
• Process information such as discussion records, drafts, and internal correspondence, as well as administrative law enforcement case files, unless laws or regulations require disclosure.

Fees

Government information is provided free of charge. However, if the quantity or frequency of requests clearly exceeds a reasonable range, 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).

Contact Information

The Changde Municipal Data Bureau (Changde Municipal Administrative Approval Service Bureau) is the designated government information disclosure work agency. Its office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00–12:00 and 14:30–17:30 (winter schedule) or 15:00–18:00 (summer schedule), excluding national holidays.

The General Office of the Changde Municipal People's Government also handles information disclosure matters through its Comprehensive Section II. Its office hours are the same as above.

Addresses:

• Changde Municipal Data Bureau: First Floor, Citizen's Home, Intersection of Langzhou North Road and Yueliang Avenue, Changde. Office hours: Monday to Friday 9:00–12:00 and 13:00–17:00 (excluding national holidays).
• General Office of the Changde Municipal People's Government: No. 88 Jianshe East Road, Wuling District, Changde. Office hours: Monday to Friday 8:00–12:00 and 14:30–17:30 (winter) or 15:00–18:00 (summer), excluding national holidays.

Website Contact: Changde Government Website, No. 2533 Liuye Avenue, Wuling District, Changde (4th Floor, Zhangyu Garden). Technical support: 0736-7755111.

Complaints and Appeals

If you believe your legitimate rights have been infringed in the government information disclosure process, you may complain to the higher-level administrative organ or the competent department for government information disclosure, or apply for administrative reconsideration or file an administrative lawsuit according to law.

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