PM Shehbaz launches 'Pakistan National Olive Value Chain Policy'

Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has introduced the ‘Pakistan National Olive Value Chain Policy’ as part of efforts to unlock the country’s potential in olive farming and turn it into a source of economic growth.

Addressing the launching ceremony, the prime minister pointed out that Pakistan currently spends around $4 billion every year on edible oil imports.

He said increasing domestic production could help the country reduce this burden, adding that saving $400 million in just one year would be a significant accomplishment.

PM Shehbaz said he was confident that Pakistan could achieve self-reliance in edible oil production within the coming years if efforts to expand local production continued.

The prime minister also acknowledged Italy’s support for the development of Pakistan’s olive sector. He stressed that Pakistan must now move beyond cultivation and give greater attention to extracting oil, improving processing facilities and developing products with higher added value.

PM Shehbaz further said the Pakistani government was prepared to bear the expenses of sending 100 young agricultural graduates to Italy.

The trainees would study different areas of olive farming, production, processing and marketing to strengthen local expertise in the sector.

Earlier, speaking on the occasion, Italian Ambassador to Pakistan Ugo Ciarlatani said the two countries had maintained close relations for more than seven decades.

He noted that their cooperation has expanded over the years to include agriculture, scientific research, education, commerce and security.

The ambassador said the newly launched policy was built on years of joint efforts between Pakistan and Italy. He highlighted the $100 million Pakistan-Italy Debt Swap Programme, which played a role in developing olive orchards in various parts of Pakistan.

Ciarlatani said the country now has more than seven million olive plants. He added that Italy’s Olive Culture Project has helped establish laboratories and nurseries, supported business groups and provided training to over 700 people associated with the sector.

He said Italy was also helping Pakistan strengthen technical and vocational education through a €20 million capacity-development programme.

The initiative includes training and development in high-value agricultural areas, particularly olive cultivation and production.

The Italian ambassador expressed optimism that the new policy would give Pakistan’s olive industry a stronger commercial foundation and help develop it into a successful agro-based sector.

He said the initiative could create greater opportunities for farmers, women and young people while also deepening the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and Italy.