Pakistan, Italy work jointly for development of olive sector

Celina Ali

Islamabad: Pakistan and Italy are working jointly for the development of the olive sector, marked by the Pakistan Olive National Gala in Islamabad.

The event, organized by the “Promotion of Olive Cultivation on commercial scale in Pakistan Phase-II” and the Italian-funded “Olive Culture-Holistic and multi-professional mechanism for a Pakistani Olive Oil Value Chain” project, aims to explore opportunities in the olive sector.

The Pakistan Olive Brand was launched during this event to promote the purchase of certified quality olive oil produced in Pakistan.

The occasion was graced by Dr. Kausar Abdullah Malik, Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research, highlighting the commitment to olive production’s promotion and the need for supportive policies for rural development in the sector.

Marco Marchetti, International Project Coordinator, emphasized Italian involvement in enhancing the Pakistani olive value chain.

Dr Muhammad Tariq, National Project Director, discussed the holistic approach to the Pakistani Olive Value Chain, emphasizing Pakistan’s potential as an olive cultivation country. Salvatore Parano, Director of the Italian Trade Agency, expressed optimism about Pakistan becoming an exporter of olive oil to the world.