ISLAMABAD, OCT 21 /DNA/ – The Al Baraka Pakistan Olive Summit, organized by the National Alliance for Safe Food (NASF) and the Pakistan Olive Initiative, was held today at the Serena Hotel, Islamabad. The summit brought together policymakers, researchers, diplomats, and industry leaders to shape the future of Pakistan’s olive industry under the theme “Developing a Safe, Sustainable, and Ready-to-Export Supply Chain of the Olive Sector.”
Inaugural Session
The event was inaugurated by Mr. Rana Awais Khan, Chairman, National Alliance for Safe Food, who emphasized the importance of empowering olive farmers, fostering innovation, and strengthening international collaborations to make Pakistan’s olive products globally competitive.
“This summit reflects our commitment to transforming Pakistan’s olive sector by empowering farmers, enhancing rural economies, and promoting ‘Made in Pakistan’ across global markets,” said Mr. Khan.
He also expressed gratitude to Al Baraka Bank Pakistan for its partnership and support in advancing agricultural financing and sustainable olive production.
Mr. Muhammad Atif Hanif, CEO, Al Baraka Bank Pakistan, in his keynote address, reaffirmed the bank’s role in promoting sustainable agriculture, emphasizing investment in the olive value chain as part of Al Baraka’s social and economic responsibility.
The Chief Guest, Mr. Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research, highlighted the government’s strong commitment to expanding olive cultivation, noting that over 6.3 million olive trees have already been planted across 51,000 acres of land in Pakistan. He further shared the government’s initiatives for research, certification, and the establishment of a National Olive Council.
He also announced Pakistan’s intention to join the International Olive Council (IOC), opening new avenues for trade, research, and international collaboration.
Distinguished Guests and Ambassadors
The summit featured the presence of prominent dignitaries, including:
Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti, MNA & Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Commerce
Dr. MirzaIkhtarBaig, MNA
H.E. MarilinaArmellin, Ambassador of Italy in Pakistan
H.E. Dr. MaenKhreasat, Ambassador of Jordan
Ambassador of Greece
H.E. Nader K. Alturk, Counsellor & Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Palestine
Representatives from Embassies of Malaysia, Portugal, Spain, and Denmark
Their participation reflected the growing international interest in Pakistan’s olive sector and the potential for bilateral cooperation in technology transfer, training, and market access.
Summit Sessions
The comprehensive program included high-impact discussions on olive sector development, innovation, and trade.
Key highlights included:
Olive Sector Development – led by Dr. Muhammad Tariq, National Project Director, PSDP Olive Program, exploring expansion strategies and production potential.
Standards, Testing & Branding – focusing on global compliance, certification, and building Pakistan’s brand identity in international markets.
Panel Discussions – engaging policymakers, industry experts, and private sector leaders on innovation, investment, and export strategies.
Closing Session
The closing session was graced by Mr. Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman, Prime Minister Youth Programme, as Guest of Honor. He emphasized youth empowerment and skill development in agriculture and food technology, encouraging young entrepreneurs to take part in Pakistan’s olive value chain.
“The youth of Pakistan are the driving force for sustainable agricultural transformation and innovation. The olive sector can become a symbol of our national potential,” he stated.
A Vision for the Future
The Session Concluded with Vote of thanks By Mr. FaadWaheed, Former SVP Islamabad Chamber and Federal President National Alliance for Safe Food, he Said he Al Baraka Pakistan Olive Summit 2025 marks a major milestone in positioning Pakistan as a future leader in sustainable olive production. With strengthened local capacity, global partnerships—including with the UC Davis Olive Center (USA)—and increased support for farmers, Pakistan is ready to emerge as a regional hub for olive oil production and export.
Institutions and Stakeholders in Attendance
Representatives from government departments, development agencies, academia, chambers of commerce, and private industry participated, including:
PPAF, PEEF, Pakistan Agriculture Coalition, National Rural Support Program, GRSP, ITC, Olive Culture, USAID, FAO, IWMI, Alkhidmat, Helping Hand, PAS Forum, Pakistan Business Forum, PVMA, Provincial Food Authorities, CEFORT BARI Chakwal, PM Youth Programme, TDAP, BOI, PSQCA, Pakistan Halal Authority, Pakistan National Accreditation Council, and Marketing & Branding Consultants.
