PM Shehbaz launches National Olive Value Chain Policy

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif unveiled the National Olive Value Chain Policy on August 25, according to Mettis Link News. The initiative seeks to turn the olive sector's potential into wider economic gains while cutting the nation's large dependence on imported cooking oils. Mettis Link News cited a press release as the source for the remarks made at the launch ceremony.

Sharif said Pakistan spends $4 billion each year on edible oil brought in from abroad, and he called saving $400 million in a single year through higher domestic output a significant accomplishment. He voiced confidence that the country could reach self-sufficiency in this commodity within several years. He also thanked Italy for supporting olive cultivation and said the government will cover the cost of sending 100 young agricultural graduates to Italy to learn how to grow, process and sell olives.

Italian Ambassador Ugo Ciarlatani described a partnership between the two countries lasting over seven decades, citing a $100 million debt swap that helped plant olive orchards. He said Pakistan now has over seven million olive plants, while Italy's Olive Culture Project has trained more than 700 stakeholders through labs, nurseries and business groups. Italy is also funding a 20 million euro programme for technical and vocational training that covers high-value farming, including olives. The ambassador hopes the policy will turn olives into an agro-industry that helps farmers, women and young people.