ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has officially taken its seat as a permanent member of the United Nations' International Olive Council (IOC) for the first time during the Council's 123rd Session in Lisbon, according to a statement from the country’s embassy in Portugal on Tuesday.

“It marks a significant milestone for Pakistan's expanding olive industry,” the statement added.

According to the statement, 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 admission to the IOC in May 2026, the country became a permanent member among 27 other olive oil-producing nations. Pakistan received a warm welcome from the IOC Executive Director, the Council Chairman and member states.

Addressing the Council, the minister thanked the IOC for its confidence in Pakistan and reaffirmed the country's commitment to advancing the organization's objectives and to promoting sustainable, climate-resilient development in the global olive oil and table olives sector.

The minister highlighted the remarkable progress of Pakistan's olive industry, noting that more than 7 million olive trees have been cultivated across 55,669 acres.

He said that the country has established a complete farm-to-fork value chain, including 51 olive oil extraction units, modern processing facilities, nurseries, weather stations and four IOC-compliant quality laboratories.

He added that Pakistan has also achieved self-sufficiency in producing certified olive saplings domestically, while its olive oil has gained international recognition, including a Silver Award at the New York International Olive Oil Competition.

International Olive Council

Pakistan takes seat as permanent member of International Olive Council for first time