Published by ChinaMNC · Yanggu

Liaocheng Government Information Disclosure Guide: What Foreign Founders Need to Know

A practical overview of how to access government information in Liaocheng, China, for foreign founders registering or operating a company. Learn about proactive disclosure, application procedures, fees, and response times.

Why Government Transparency Matters for Foreign Founders in Liaocheng

For foreign founders setting up or running a company in China, access to reliable government information is essential for compliance and planning. The Liaocheng Municipal People's Government has published a guide on government information disclosure, outlining how citizens, legal persons, and other organizations can obtain information from the Liaocheng Municipal Government and its General Office (referred to as "this organ"). This guide is based on the Regulations of the People's Republic of China on the Disclosure of Government Information (promulgated by State Council Order No. 492, revised by Order No. 711).

Understanding these procedures can help foreign founders navigate local regulations, policies, and administrative processes more effectively. Below is a summary of the key points from the official guide, tailored for foreign founders.

Proactively Disclosed Information

The Liaocheng Municipal Government proactively discloses several categories of information that may be relevant to businesses:

• Local regulations and rules: Local regulations published as municipal government documents, and government rules and documents formulated by the municipal government.
• Normative documents: Documents issued in the name of this organ or jointly issued with other departments.
• Administrative fees: Items, basis, and standards for administrative and institutional fees.
• Government procurement: Catalog, standards, and implementation of centralized government procurement projects.
• Major construction projects: Approval and implementation of major construction projects.
• Supervision and inspection: Information on supervision and inspection of environmental protection, public health, work safety, food and drug safety, and product quality.
• Policies and measures: Policies, measures, and implementation related to poverty alleviation, education, healthcare, social security, and employment promotion.
• Emergency management: Emergency plans, early warning information, and response measures for public emergencies.

This information is made available through various channels, including the Liaocheng Municipal Government website, government press conferences, and official social media accounts (Weibo and WeChat). Additionally, a government information reading point is set up at the Municipal Archives for public access.

Proactively disclosed information is published within 20 working days from the date of formation or change of the information, unless otherwise provided by laws or regulations.

How to Request Information Not Proactively Disclosed

Foreign founders may need specific government information that is not proactively disclosed. In such cases, they can file an application with the relevant government organ. However, note that the organ generally does not provide information that requires processing or analysis of existing government information, except as allowed under Article 37 of the Regulations.

Application Process

• Obtain the application form: The "Liaocheng Municipal People's Government Information Disclosure Application Form" can be collected at the application acceptance point or downloaded from the government website's information disclosure column.
• Complete the form: Provide accurate details including the applicant's name or organization name, contact information, and the preferred method and format for receiving the information. Describe the requested information clearly, preferably with the name, document number, or other identifying features.
• Submit the application: Applications can be submitted in person (with valid ID), by mail (with a copy of valid ID), or online (with a scanned copy or photo of valid ID). For mail, send to: Government Information Disclosure Office, General Office of Liaocheng Municipal People's Government, No. 24 Dongchang West Road, Liaocheng, Postal Code: 252000. Mark "Government Information Disclosure Application" on the envelope.

Fees

Fees for information processing may be charged in accordance with the Notice on the Management Measures for Information Processing Fees for Government Information Disclosure (Guobanhan [2020] No. 109) and the Shandong Provincial notice (Luzhengbanzi [2020] No. 179).

Response Time

The organ will respond to applications within 20 working days from receipt. If an extension is needed, the applicant will be notified in writing, and the extension period shall not exceed 20 working days. If the application is当场 (on the spot) answerable, it will be answered immediately.

Grounds for Non-Disclosure

Certain information may not be disclosed, including:

• Information determined as state secrets, or prohibited by laws and administrative regulations from disclosure, or that may endanger national security, public safety, economic security, or social stability if disclosed.
• Information involving trade secrets or personal privacy that would harm the legitimate rights and interests of third parties, unless the third party consents or non-disclosure would significantly impact public interest.
• Process information such as discussion records, drafts, correspondence, and request reports formed in the course of administrative management, as well as administrative law enforcement case files, unless laws or regulations require disclosure.

Practical Tips for Foreign Founders

• Check proactively disclosed information first: Many policies and regulations relevant to business operations are already available on the government website or through official social media.
• Be specific in applications: Clearly identify the information you need to facilitate a timely response.
• Keep records: Maintain copies of applications and responses for your files.
• Use official channels: Rely on the government website and official contact points for accurate information.

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 company registration and operations in China, foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535.