Guangzhou Sets Boundaries for Government-Business Interactions

Gift-Giving Guidelines for State-Owned Enterprises

Guangzhou, Guangdong has recently issued the “Guidelines and Q&A on Certain Scenarios of Government-Business Interactions in Guangzhou (First Batch)”, establishing clear boundaries for gift-giving between government officials and business entities. The guidelines, issued by the Municipal Party Committee and Integrity Office, aim to promote transparency and integrity in government-business interactions.

Key Provisions of the Guidelines

The guidelines focus on 18 types of interactions between government officials and businesses, covering six key areas:

• Investment promotion and enterprise-related services
• Reception and dining
• Transportation
• Travel and accommodation
• Gift donations
• Foreign exchanges

Gift-Giving Limits for State-Owned Enterprises

According to the guidelines, state-owned enterprises may give out souvenirs for business entertainment, with a value per person not exceeding 600 yuan. The types of gifts should primarily promote the corporate image, showcase corporate culture, or reflect regional culture. Party and government agencies generally do not give out gifts, except in special circumstances such as attracting investment, where they may give souvenirs with Guangzhou characteristics and representing the city’s culture to the enterprise in the name of the unit.

Prohibited Practices

The guidelines prohibit the following practices:

• Accepting gifts, cash gifts, consumer cards (vouchers), securities, equity, other financial products, and other property that may affect the impartial performance of official duties
• Accepting other property that obviously exceeds normal gift-giving and receiving
• Asking for any gifts, cash gifts, and other property from companies
• Arranging or staying in high-end suites when traveling abroad
• Paying travel expenses that should be borne by units and individuals in violation of regulations

Investment Promotion and Enterprise-Related Services

The guidelines also provide guidance on investment promotion and enterprise-related services, including:

• Not participating in corporate festivals, celebrations, celebration banquets, and other internal ceremonial celebrations
• Not supporting the market operation activities of specific enterprise products
• Not obtaining improper benefits in return for contacting service companies
• Not exceeding laws and regulations to authorize companies to carry out law enforcement activities or use approval, law enforcement, supervision, and other powers to challenge companies
• Not failing to answer calls or visits from companies without reason, and not ignoring the complaints and demands of companies