Pakistan has secured permanent membership in the International Olive Council (IOC), marking a historic milestone for the nation’s olive industry, as confirmed by the Foreign Office (FO) on Monday.
According to FO officials, Pakistan took up its seat at the IOC’s 123rd session, hosted in Lisbon, Portugal, attended by representatives from 27 olive-producing nations.
A key delegation from Pakistan, headed by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, presented the country’s advancements in olive cultivation and oil production during the meeting.
In a statement, the FO noted that Minister Hussain shared insights into Pakistan’s rapidly growing olive sector, emphasizing initiatives to advance sustainable practices amid pressing climate challenges.
Pakistan also reaffirmed its dedication to fostering productive partnerships within the global olive industry and expanding its footprint in the international market.
The minister was accompanied at the event by Pakistan’s ambassador to Portugal, Aisha Farooqui, as reported by the country’s embassy.
The session underscored notable achievements within Pakistan’s olive industry, including the planting of over seven million olive trees nationwide.
According to official reports, olive cultivation now spans 55,669 acres of land, with production clusters expanding swiftly.
The FO highlighted the development of a fully integrated “farm-to-table” value chain, supported by 51 functional olive oil extraction facilities.
Modern infrastructure, including nurseries, meteorological stations, and four IOC-compliant laboratories, has been established to enhance industry standards.
Particular recognition was given to Pakistan’s capacity for self-reliance in producing certified olive seedlings and the global acclaim received by its olive oil exports.
The IOC, founded in 1959, operates as an intergovernmental body focused on promoting the responsible and sustainable growth of the olive sector, representing nations that contribute to over 94% of the world’s olive oil production.
