ISLAMABAD, Jul 4 (Alliance News): Pakistan and Portugal have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in agriculture, food security, olive sector development and climate-resilient farming during a high-level meeting between Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain and Portuguese Minister for Agriculture and the Sea José Manuel Fernandes in Lisbon.
Welcoming the growing partnership, Rana Tanveer Hussain highlighted Pakistan’s significant progress in olive cultivation, stating that more than seven million olive trees have been planted across 55,669 acres.
He said the country has also established modern olive oil extraction units, processing facilities, quality testing laboratories and an expanding value chain to support the industry.
The minister said Pakistan offers vast investment opportunities in olive cultivation, processing, packaging and value-added products.
He highlighted investor-friendly incentives available through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and the Board of Investment (BOI), including 100 percent foreign ownership, long-term land leases, duty-free import of agricultural machinery, tax incentives and a one-window facilitation mechanism.
Inviting Portuguese investors to explore joint ventures and public-private partnerships, Rana Tanveer described Pakistan as an emerging destination for sustainable agricultural investment.
The two ministers discussed expanding cooperation in agricultural research, mechanised harvesting, olive oil extraction technologies, quality certification, value addition and capacity building through stronger institutional partnerships between research organisations of both countries.
They also exchanged views on promoting climate-smart agriculture, efficient water management, drip irrigation systems and sustainable land management practices to address the challenges of climate change.
Rana Tanveer reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the International Olive Council (IOC) following its accession as a permanent member and said the country is aligning its national standards with international benchmarks to enhance the global competitiveness of Pakistani olive products.
Emphasising stronger people-to-people and institutional ties, the minister invited José Manuel Fernandes to visit Pakistan to witness the progress made under the National Olive Programme and explore new opportunities for cooperation in agriculture, trade, technology transfer and investment.
The Portuguese minister appreciated Pakistan’s achievements in developing its olive sector and expressed interest in expanding bilateral collaboration for the mutual benefit of both countries.
