Rana Tanveer represents Pakistan at IOC meeting after country’s membership in global olive body.
Image: MOFA
Pakistan has officially taken its permanent seat at the United Nations-backed International Olive Council (IOC) for the first time, following its admission as a member in May 2026.
Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain represented Pakistan at the 123rd IOC meeting in Lisbon, accompanied by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Portugal, Aisha Farooqui.
Welcoming Pakistan, the IOC’s executive director, chairman and member states acknowledged the country’s entry into the organisation, which comprises 27 olive oil-producing nations.
Addressing the council, the minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the IOC’s objectives and highlighted the rapid growth of the country’s olive sector. He said Pakistan now has more than seven million olive trees cultivated over 55,669 acres, with olive clusters expanding nationwide.
He added that Pakistan has developed a complete farm-to-fork olive value chain, including 51 olive oil extraction units, modern processing facilities, nurseries, weather stations and four IOC-standard quality laboratories. The country has also achieved self-sufficiency in producing certified olive saplings.
The minister noted that Pakistan’s progress has gained international recognition, including a Silver Award at the New York International Olive Oil Competition (NYIOOC) last year.
Pakistan also reaffirmed its commitment to working with the IOC to promote sustainable and climate-resilient development of the global olive oil and table olive sector.
