Pakistan joins International Olive Council as permanent member at Lisbon session

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has formally taken its seat as a permanent member of the International Olive Council (IOC) for the first time, participating in the organisation’s 123rd session held in Lisbon, according to the Foreign Office.

Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain led the Pakistani delegation at the meeting, while Pakistan’s Ambassador to Portugal, Ayesha Farooqui, also attended the session.

Pakistan was granted membership of the IOC in May 2026, becoming part of the international body that brings together olive-producing nations to promote cooperation in the olive and olive oil sector.

The country attended the 123rd session for the first time as a permanent member alongside representatives of 27 olive-producing countries. According to the FO, the IOC’s executive director, chairman and member states extended a warm welcome to Pakistan at the session.

Addressing the council, Rana thanked the organisation and member countries for admitting Pakistan as a permanent member, reaffirming the country’s commitment to contributing to the global olive sector.

Pakistan’s olive sector expands

Highlighting the progress made under Pakistan’s olive cultivation programme, the minister said more than seven million olive trees had been planted across 55,669 acres of land.

He added that Pakistan had established a complete olive value chain, spanning cultivation, processing and distribution from farm to consumer, reflecting the country’s growing focus on developing its olive industry and expanding agricultural exports.