Lisbon, June 30, 2026: Pakistan formally took its seat for the first time as a permanent member of the International Olive Council during the 123rd Session of the Council held in Lisbon, marking a significant milestone for the country’s growing olive sector.
Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain led the Pakistani delegation at the meeting, accompanied by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Portugal, Aisha Farooqui.
Following Pakistan’s accession to the International Olive Council in May 2026, the country was invited to participate as a permanent member alongside 27 other olive oil-producing nations.
According to the Foreign Office, Pakistan received a warm welcome from the IOC Executive Director, the Chairman of the Council, and member states.
Addressing the Council, Rana Tanveer Hussain thanked the IOC for its support and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing the organization’s objectives and promoting international cooperation in the olive sector.
The minister highlighted the rapid growth of Pakistan’s olive industry, informing delegates that more than seven million olive trees have been cultivated across 55,669 acres, with olive clusters expanding in different parts of the country.
He said Pakistan has established a comprehensive “farm-to-fork” value chain through 51 olive oil extraction units, modern processing facilities, nurseries, weather stations, and four IOC-compliant quality laboratories. The country has also achieved self-sufficiency in producing certified olive saplings domestically.
The minister noted that Pakistan’s progress has earned international recognition, including a Silver Award at the New York International Olive Oil Competition (NYIOOC) last year.
He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to playing a constructive role in promoting sustainable, climate-resilient development of the global olive oil and table olive sectors through active cooperation within the International Olive Council.
