The historic ceremony, led by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Spain, Dr. Zahoor Ahmed, highlighted the country’s expanding olive cultivation sector and its ambitions to strengthen domestic olive oil production, reduce dependence on imported edible oils and unlock new opportunities in international markets.
The event brought together ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from IOC member countries, senior officials from Spain’s ministries of Foreign Affairs and Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, international delegates, journalists and other distinguished guests.
Pakistan’s flag was officially hoisted alongside those of other IOC member states, symbolizing the country’s growing recognition within the international olive-producing community.
In another meaningful gesture, Ambassador Zahoor Ahmed planted an olive tree in the IOC’s Garden of Peace, where it will grow alongside trees representing other member nations. The plantation symbolized Pakistan’s commitment to agricultural sustainability, international friendship and long-term cooperation.
A special video presentation highlighting the remarkable development of Pakistan’s olive industry and its future expansion plans was also screened during the gathering.
IOC Executive Director Jaime Lillo warmly welcomed Pakistan into the organization, describing its membership as a valuable addition to the global olive community. He stressed that Pakistan brings a distinctive agricultural perspective to the council, particularly because it is located outside the Mediterranean region, which has traditionally dominated international olive production.
Recognizing the country’s extensive potential for olive cultivation, Lillo expressed optimism about Pakistan’s ability to expand production and contribute to the future growth of the global olive sector. He noted that the inclusion of countries with diverse geographical conditions and agricultural experiences strengthens international cooperation and creates opportunities for exchanging expertise.
Addressing the ceremony, Ambassador Zahoor Ahmed described Pakistan’s recognition as a tribute to the dedication of farmers who have worked to transform barren and underutilized landscapes into productive olive-growing areas. He said the occasion represented the fulfillment of a commitment to agricultural communities that had believed in the potential of olive cultivation despite difficult growing conditions.
Highlighting the crop’s economic and environmental benefits, the ambassador explained that olive trees can thrive in relatively challenging climates, making them particularly valuable for agricultural development in suitable dry and marginal regions.
He stressed that expanding olive farming could support efficient water use, strengthen rural livelihoods, generate new economic opportunities and help Pakistan reduce its substantial edible oil import bill. The ambassador also called for closer technical partnerships, stronger agricultural institutions and greater participation by Pakistani producers in international olive supply chains.
Pakistan formally joined the International Olive Council in May 2026, becoming part of the intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting sustainable olive cultivation, research, international quality standards and trade cooperation. The membership followed sustained diplomatic engagement and efforts to present Pakistan’s growing agricultural potential to the international community.
During the meeting, the minister presented Pakistan’s candidature for membership and highlighted the country’s capacity to expand olive plantations and develop a competitive olive oil industry. The successful accession has created fresh opportunities for Pakistan to benefit from international research, technical assistance, professional training and globally recognized production standards.
Pakistan has substantial land resources suitable for olive cultivation, particularly in the Potohar region, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and other areas where agricultural diversification could create new economic possibilities. The government is pursuing olive farming as a strategic agricultural initiative aimed at bringing suitable underutilized land into production and providing additional income opportunities for rural communities.
One of the initiative’s most promising benefits is its potential to reduce the country’s reliance on imported edible oils. With continued investment, improved production techniques and stronger processing infrastructure, domestically produced olive oil could help meet a greater share of local demand while creating possibilities for future exports.
Pakistan’s Embassy in Madrid has been actively strengthening engagement with the International Olive Council and Spanish agricultural institutions to accelerate the development of the country’s olive industry.
Access to internationally recognized quality standards and technical expertise could help Pakistani producers improve product quality, increase efficiency and gradually strengthen their position in overseas markets. The cooperation is also expected to support the development of a more competitive and sustainable domestic olive sector.
