WEB DESK: Pakistan has achieved a significant milestone in the olive industry by becoming a permanent member of the International Olive Council (IOC).
Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer, participated in the 123rd meeting of the IOC held in Lisbon, Portugal, where Pakistan officially took its seat as a permanent member for the first time.
Following Pakistan’s accession to the IOC in May 2026, the country was invited to participate in the 123rd session alongside 27 other olive-producing nations. During the meeting, the council’s Executive Director, Chairman, and member countries warmly welcomed Pakistan’s entry.
In his address, the federal minister highlighted the progress made in Pakistan’s olive sector. He informed that the country has planted over 700,000 olive trees across an area of 55,669 acres, and olive cultivation clusters are rapidly expanding.
The council was briefed that Pakistan now hosts 51 olive oil extraction units, modern processing facilities, nurseries, climatic stations, and four quality laboratories that meet IOC standards, forming a complete farm-to-fork value chain.
It was also conveyed that Pakistan has become self-sufficient in the local production of certified olive saplings. Additionally, the country was awarded the Silver Medal at the recent New York International Olive Oil Competition last year.
This development marks a major step forward for Pakistan’s olive industry, reflecting the country’s growing expertise and commitment to becoming a key player in the global olive market.
