ISLAMABAD
Pakistan has formally become a full member of the International Olive Council (IOC), the world’s premier intergovernmental organization for olive oil and table olives.
The Instrument of Accession to the International Agreement on Olive Oil and Table Olives, 2015 was signed at the IOC Headquarters in Madrid by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Spain, Dr. Zahoor Ahmed, in the presence of IOC Executive Director Jaime Lillo.
The signed instrument will now be deposited with the United Nations Treaty Section, completing the formal treaty process, said a press release issued by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research on Tuesday.
Pakistan is expected to participate as a full member in the 123rd Session of the IOC Council of Members in June 2026, it added.
This historic achievement became possible due to the sustained diplomatic engagement, strategic vision, and dedicated efforts of Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, who personally led Pakistan’s candidature before the IOC Council of Members during its 122nd Session in Córdoba last year, where Pakistan participated as an observer state, it added.
Pakistan’s accession to the IOC is being viewed as a transformative milestone for the country’s emerging olive industry.
As a full member of the organization representing nearly 98 percent of global olive oil production, Pakistan will now gain direct access to international quality standards, certification systems, advanced research, technical cooperation, global training opportunities, and premium export markets.
IOC membership will enable Pakistani olive oil and table olives to be graded under internationally recognized standards, paving the way for Pakistani Extra Virgin Olive Oil to enter high-value markets in Europe, the Gulf region, North America, and East Asia with greater credibility and reduced trade barriers.
