Islamabad, Pakistan – The Embassy of Italy and the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) held a roundtable discussion on the Holistic Development of Pakistani Olive Supply Chain on 8th March 2023, Wednesday at IRS, in which experts agreed on the need to promote Olive culture in Pakistan. Andreas Ferrarese, the Italian Ambassador to Pakistan, emphasized the importance of strengthening the Olive culture for a healthier lifestyle and a viable economy. Gianluigi Cardone explained that the project was designed to ensure an all-inclusive, participatory supply chain of olives that benefited various sectors, including institutions, individuals, farmers, consumers, and businesses.
Dr. Gianluigi Cardone presented a SWOT analysis and recommended an increase in machines to boost olive oil production in Pakistan. Hareem Amna shared her learnings from the study tour and the efforts of women entrepreneurs in Italy in building their farms. Sara Babar appreciated the Italian team’s efforts in sharing their knowledge with Pakistan to help grow the Olive Value Chain.
Andreas Ferrarese, Ambassador of Italy to Pakistan said that considering the immense nutritive value of olives, strengthening the olive culture was imperative for an overall healthy lifestyle in addition to being economically viable. He added that stable Olive plantation in Pakistan was bound to not only improve the supply chain but also engage women and youth in income-generating activities.
While reflecting on the operational framework of the drive, Gianluigi Cardone said that the project was designed to ensure an all-inclusive, participatory supply chain of olives that was beneficial for Pakistan on multiple levels, facilitating institutions, individuals, farmers, consumers and businesses alike.
He said that the project was aimed at working on a context-specific approach, employing strategies tailored and suited to the need of particular provinces in Pakistan in order to yield optimal results.
Ambassador Nadeem Riyaz President IRS lauded the initiative and said that Pakistan and Italy were entering 75th year of their diplomatic relations and at this point in time such initiatives were integral to further cement the cordial ties between the two countries.
The discussion concluded with an open conversation on the importance of standardization, sustainability, and certification in the olive industry. The experts stressed the need for a legal framework to attract the private sector and expand the olive industry in Pakistan. The fruitful conversation was an essential step towards the growth and promotion of the Olive Value Chain in Pakistan.