Published by ChinaMNC · Yining

How Foreign Founders Can Request Government Information in Xinjiang: A Practical Guide

A guide for foreign founders on requesting government information from the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region People's Government Office, covering eligibility, application procedures, required details, submission methods, and contact information based on official sources.

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

For foreign entrepreneurs establishing or operating a business in China, access to official government information can be essential for compliance, planning, and due diligence. Under China's government information disclosure framework, citizens, legal entities, and other organizations—referred to as "applicants"—may request information from government agencies beyond what is proactively published. This guide outlines the process for requesting information from the General Office of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region People's Government, based on the office's official disclosure guidelines.

Who Can Apply?

According to the source, any citizen, legal person, or other organization may submit a request for government information that is not already proactively disclosed. Foreign founders should note that the process is open to "other organizations," which may include foreign-invested enterprises and their representatives. However, the source does not specify additional requirements for foreign nationals, so it is advisable to confirm eligibility directly with the contact point provided.

Where and When to Apply

The receiving agency for requests directed to the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region People's Government Office is the General Office itself. The office is located at No. 479 Zhongshan Road, Urumqi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The contact phone number is 0991-2383723.

Office hours vary by season and exclude public holidays:

• Summer: 10:00–14:00 and 16:00–20:00
• Winter: 10:00–14:00 and 15:30–19:30

These hours apply to both in-person visits and phone inquiries. Foreign founders should plan accordingly, especially when coordinating across time zones.

How to Prepare Your Application

To request government information, applicants must complete the "Government Information Disclosure Application Form" of the General Office of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region People's Government (the "Application Form"). The form can be obtained in person at the receiving agency or downloaded from the regional government portal at www.xinjiang.gov.cn. Copies are valid.

The application must accurately include the following details:

• Applicant identification: Name or title of the applicant, valid identification document, and contact information.
• Information description: The name, document number, or other characteristic description of the government information requested that will help the agency locate it. The description should be clear and detailed enough for the receiving agency to identify the specific information.
• Format requirements: The desired form of access to the information, including the method and channel for obtaining it.
• Identification verification: For in-person applications, a valid ID must be presented. For applications sent by postal mail, a copy of a valid ID must be attached to the application form. For email applications, a scanned copy or photograph of a valid ID must be provided.

Foreign founders should ensure that all identification documents are valid and that translations, if necessary, are prepared in advance, although the source does not explicitly mention translation requirements.

Submission Methods

Applicants may submit requests through three channels:

• In person: Visit the office at No. 479 Zhongshan Road, Urumqi City, during the office hours listed above. Bring a valid ID for verification. The phone number for inquiries is 0991-2383723.
• By postal mail: Send the application to No. 479 Zhongshan Road, Urumqi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, with the postal code 830002. Clearly mark "Government Information Disclosure Application" on the envelope. Include a copy of a valid ID with the application form.
• Online: Email the application to [email protected]. After sending, call 0991-2383723 to confirm receipt. Provide a scanned copy or photo of a valid ID.

Each method requires attention to identification requirements. Foreign founders should retain proof of submission and confirmation for their records.

Key Considerations for Foreign Founders

When preparing a request, foreign entrepreneurs should be as specific as possible about the information sought. Including document numbers or precise titles can expedite processing. The source emphasizes that the description should be "clear and detailed" to assist the agency in identifying the information.

Additionally, while the process is open to organizations, foreign founders may face practical challenges such as language barriers. The source does not indicate whether applications can be submitted in English, so it is prudent to prepare documents in Chinese or seek translation assistance. Contacting the office by phone before submission can clarify any procedural questions.

The application form is available for download from the government portal, and the office accepts both in-person and remote submissions. Foreign founders should ensure that all required fields are completed and that identification documents are included to avoid delays.

Conclusion

Requesting government information is a formal process that requires careful preparation. By following the steps outlined above, foreign founders can navigate the system effectively and obtain information that may support their business operations in Xinjiang. For specific legal or compliance questions, consulting a local professional is recommended.

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