Islamabad, October 9, 2026: The OliveCulture Scale-Up Project convened its 4th Steering Committee Meeting at the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR), marking an important milestone in Pakistan–Italy cooperation towards developing a competitive, sustainable, and internationally recognised olive sector.
The meeting was attended by senior representatives of MNFSR, the Embassy of Italy, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), CIHEAM Bari, and national and provincial stakeholders. The Steering Committee reviewed the Project’s second-year achievements and strategic priorities for its final year, focusing on institutional sustainability, quality assurance, market development, and inclusive economic growth.
Speaking to the meeting members Dr. Roberto Neccia, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Italy in Islamabad, highlighted the OliveCulture Scale-Up Project as a key example of the longstanding cooperation between Pakistan and Italy. He appreciated the significant progress achieved under the Project, particularly the launch of the National Olive Value Chain Policy, strengthening of laboratory facilities, technical capacity building, and improvements in olive oil quality standards. He reaffirmed Italy’s continued commitment to supporting the sustainable development of Pakistan’s olive sector.
Mr. Paolo Gallizioli, Head of International Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), recognised the Project’s tangible achievements, particularly Pakistan’s National Olive Value Chain Policy and permanent membership in the International Olive Council (IOC). Emphasising national ownership, he stated that lasting success would be measured by Pakistan’s ability to sustain these achievements independently. He identified the Pakistan Olive Oil Council, national quality-label framework, official sensory tasting panel, and strengthened OBDGs among the priorities for the final year.
Ms. Alia Shahid, Additional Secretary, Ministry of National Food Security and Research, appreciated the continued support of the Government of Italy, AICS, and CIHEAM Bari, particularly recognising progress in olive nursery management and women’s economic empowerment through Olive Business Development Groups (OBDGs). She also stressed the need to further strengthen demonstration model farms and identify technical skill gaps to ensure the long-term sustainability and impact of the Project’s interventions.
Speaking on the occasion Dr. Biagio Di Terlizzi, Director of CIHEAM Bari, congratulated Pakistan on its commitment to advancing the olive sector and emphasised the importance of connecting national policy with community-level implementation. He called for stronger public–private partnerships and effective utilisation of technical laboratories, while inviting Pakistani producers to participate in international olive-sector events in Bari, Italy.
The meeting reaffirmed the importance of consolidating the Project’s achievements through stronger national institutions, internationally recognised quality systems, and improved market opportunities, ensuring lasting benefits for farmers, entrepreneurs, and rural communities.
Implemented by CIHEAM Bari with the support of the Government of Italy through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), in partnership with the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR), the OliveCulture Scale-Up Project continues to contribute to the development of a sustainable, competitive, and internationally recognised olive sector in Pakistan.
