ISLAMABAD: Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain on Friday said Pakistan was expected to become a member of the International Olive Council (IOC) within the next couple of months, a move he said would help enhance global recognition of the country’s emerging olive industry.
The minister made the remarks while inaugurating a three-day National Olive Festival at F-9 Park, which opened to the public on Friday. He said the olive sector had the potential to become a strong driver of economic and social development, particularly in rural areas, by promoting growth, generating stable employment and creating new opportunities for farmers.
The annual festival marked what officials described as an important milestone in Pakistan’s efforts to develop a sustainable and competitive olive sector. Stalls displaying olives and olive-based products were set up by participants from various provinces and organisations, while a large number of families and olive enthusiasts attended the opening day. The event aims to promote olive cultivation, local farming practices, food security and the adoption of modern agricultural techniques.
Mr Hussain highlighted the importance of international cooperation in developing the sector and appreciated the support of the Italian government, which he said was providing technical assistance to Pakistan. He added that Italy had also approved a 20-million-euro project aimed at supporting olive cultivation and processing in the country.
Referring to the global olive market, the minister noted that olives constituted a major agricultural industry worldwide. He cited Spain’s annual olive-related exports of around $11 billion and Italy’s significant contribution to the global market. By comparison, he said Pakistan’s total agricultural exports stood at about $9bn, while the country spent approximately $4bn each year on importing palm oil.
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He stressed that increasing domestic olive production could help Pakistan reduce its reliance on imported edible oils while creating opportunities to earn foreign exchange through exports in the coming years. To achieve this, he said, the government was prioritising the supply of quality saplings, research and development, the establishment of modern oil extraction facilities and overall improvements across the value chain.
The minister also underscored the need to upgrade olive packaging, branding and marketing to meet international standards, saying these steps were essential for competing in global markets.
Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain on Friday said Pakistan was expected to become a member of the International Olive Council within a couple of months.https://t.co/UbrMnXs1bG
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) December 13, 2025
Describing the festival as a significant development, Mr Hussain said Pakistan had vast potential for olive cultivation and that the crop was no longer an experimental venture but had evolved into a fully emerging industry. He reiterated that farmers were the backbone of the country and assured them that the government would continue to extend all possible support to strengthen the sector.
