Lincolnshire cabbages can now be enjoyed by Malaysian consumers. This follows an intervention by the Department for International Trade (DIT) which could benefit vegetable producers throughout the whole of the UK.

DIT has worked with Naylor Farms to release around 25,000 round cabbages from the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services.

Naylor Farms have been growing vegetables near Spalding, Lincolnshire, since 1909 and recently secured a three year contract to export 10,800 tonnes of round cabbage to Malaysia.

Four shipments of fresh cabbages had been held up at the border because of a gap in regulations.

The Department for International Trade worked with Naylor Farms to get temporary approval for their cabbages to be imported into Malaysia.

The Malaysian government has also formed a committee to review their food import regulations, including those that apply to vegetables.

Trade Policy Minister Conor Burns said:

By getting rid of red tape, we can open up markets and create new opportunities for British businesses to sell their produce around the world.

It is great news that we’ve been able to release these cabbages so quickly and I hope the Malaysian government will make a permanent change to their regulations so that Malaysian consumers can continue to enjoy Great British vegetables.

Simon Naylor of Naylor Farms said:

This has been a massive step forward for Naylors. I wish to thank the Department for International Trade for their assistance in working our way through the process of importing our products to Malaysia. This has not only been a step forward for us but also for other companies wishing to import their goods to Malaysia so it has been a win-win situation for everyone.

This is part of DIT’s work to lower market access barriers in key economies around the world to make it easier for British businesses to trade internationally.

Market access barriers make British exports less competitive than locally produced goods and services. In some cases, they can prohibit imports entirely.

A study by the OECD suggests all G20 economies could see increased exports by more than 20% in the long term, if trade barriers were halved globally.

British businesses can directly report barriers preventing them from trading online here. The tool ensures British businesses can flag these issues and the government’s trade experts can work with countries around the world to resolve them.

The brief visit follow a packed programme, during which the delegate from GCSI Stephen Young met with several Ministers and government officials.

Mr. Young met with Minister Carlos Pereira of the National Secretariat of Planning (STP); Minister Rene Fernandez of the National Anti-corruption Secretariat (SENAC); Minister Alejandro Peralta Vierci of the Ministry of Information Technologies and Communications (MITIC); and officials from the Ministry of Trade and the Investment and Exports Network (REDIEX). The round of calls included a meeting at the Presidential Palace with Minister Hugo Cáceres and the Presidential Delivery Unit.

On the second day of the visit, the British Embassy and MITIC through its Vice Ministry of Communications hosted a workshop by GSCI. The workshop aimed state communicators and akin professionals in the government, and had over forty people in attendance.

The objective of the workshop was to strengthen communication from a strategic approach so that information on government actions effectively reaches citizens. Techniques on communications during crisis, tips on preparedness and tools for internal communication were some of the topics discussed.

On the visit, Mr. Young reflected:

It was a great opportunity and privilege to meet with various Paraguayan government Ministers and officials to discuss the key areas that are currently impacting their society.

We look forward to future collaboration in communication strategies with the Paraguay Government.

Published 7 February 2020

Specialist teams have been working around the clock carrying out investigations into damage that has been discovered underneath the road.

During planned maintenance works, it was discovered that water damage had corroded some of the steel works underneath the road.

Highways England has closed the eastbound carriageway, which carries traffic out of the city centre, while this damage is thoroughly investigated and these investigations will be continuing across the weekend.

Head of service delivery at Highways England Adrian Oulds said:

Whilst we know that the structure itself remains safe we need to fully assess the extent of the water corrosion before opening this busy road up to traffic. We are striving to get the bridge partially open early next week.

We appreciate road closures are frustrating for people but the safety of the public and road users is always the priority for Highways England.

We are grateful to drivers for their patience and would urge them to allow extra time for journeys and avoid the area if possible.

To alleviate congestion, Highways England has stepped up its traffic officer patrol service in the area to help motorists with the diversion route.

We’re also working closely with the emergency services to ensure medical and emergency access can be maintained while the road is closed.

Free recovery is also in place for vehicles travelling in the area while the closure remains in place.

The diversion route is in place from A52 Queens Drive junction to A52 Nottingham Wheatcroft junction, with motorists advised to leave extra time for their journeys throughout the day and the weekend.

Further information can be found by visiting the Traffic England website or by following Highways England’s regional Twitter feed @HighwaysEMIDS

People can also call Highways England on 0300 123 5000.

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.

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Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.