MADRID, Spain: Pakistan took a significant step toward developing its olive industry on Friday by signing the Instrument of Accession to become a full member of the International Olive Council (IOC).
Ambassador of Pakistan to Spain, Dr. Zahoor Ahmed, signed the document at the IOC’s headquarters in Madrid. Executive Director of the International Olive Council, Jaime Lillo, was also present on the occasion.
La incorporación de Pakistán fortalecerá la cooperación en materia de cultivo del olivo, investigación, desarrollo de capacidades, estándares de calidad y desarrollo de mercados, apoyando así el crecimiento del sector oleícola de Pakistán. (2/2)@iocolivenews https://t.co/1JIo5tULPJ pic.twitter.com/UL5ON2hpqU
— Pakistan Embassy Spain (@PakinSpain_) May 8, 2026
A milestone for Pakistan’s olive industry
Pakistan’s accession marks an important milestone in the country’s efforts to promote olive cultivation, strengthen its olive oil sector, and benefit from international expertise, research, technical cooperation, and best practices in the olive industry.
Last year, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, led Pakistan’s delegation to the 122nd Session of the Council of Members in Córdoba, where Pakistan participated as an observer.
During that session, he presented Pakistan’s candidature for IOC membership and highlighted the country’s growing potential in olive cultivation and production. Pakistan is now expected to participate as a full member in the 123rd Session of the Council of Members in June 2026.
Ambassador highlights potential for cooperation
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Dr. Zahoor Ahmed noted Pakistan’s suitable climate, expanding olive cultivation areas, and ongoing national initiatives to develop the sector.
He stated that full IOC membership would open new avenues for cooperation in capacity building, quality standards, research, technology transfer, and market development.
IOC Executive Director welcomes Pakistan
Executive Director Jaime Lillo welcomed Pakistan as a full member, expressing confidence that the accession would further strengthen cooperation with the IOC and support the development of Pakistan’s olive sector.
Formal treaty process underway
The signed Instrument of Accession will now be deposited with the United Nations Treaty Section, completing the formal treaty process for Pakistan’s membership.
The International Olive Council, headquartered in Madrid, is the world’s leading intergovernmental organisation for olives and olive oil. Pakistan’s membership will help strengthen its engagement with global partners and support the development of the country’s olive value chain.
