Pakistan has become a permanent member of the International Olive Council (IOC) to strengthen its domestic olive industry [1], [2].

This membership allows Pakistan to integrate into the global olive trade network and access technical expertise to scale cultivation. By securing a full seat, the government aims to improve agricultural productivity and expand its presence in the international market [2].

The announcement was made on June 30, 2026 [1]. Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain represented the country during the process [3], [4]. Pakistan officially took its seat as a permanent member on July 1, 2026, reports said [5].

The transition occurred during an IOC meeting held in Lisbon, Portugal [5]. The move marks a first for Pakistan in the context of the council's permanent membership structure [5].

While some reports describe the status as a full membership [3], others characterize it as a permanent seat [2], [5]. This distinction reflects the country's transition from a temporary or observer status to a voting member with a lasting role in the organization's governance.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research to diversify crop production. Olive cultivation is viewed as a viable economic path for specific regions of the country due to favorable climate conditions in certain provinces.

By joining the IOC, Pakistan gains access to standardized quality controls and research on olive oil production. These resources are intended to help local farmers meet international export standards, and reduce reliance on imported oils [2].

“Pakistan has become a permanent member of the International Olive Council.”

Securing a permanent seat at the IOC signals Pakistan's intent to transition from a consumer to a producer in the global olive oil market. By aligning with UN-affiliated standards in Lisbon, the country can leverage international research to modernize its agricultural sector, potentially creating a new export commodity to stabilize its trade balance.