Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain has invited Portuguese investors and companies to explore joint ventures and public-private partnerships in the olive sector.

He was talking to Portuguese Minister for Agriculture and the Sea Jose Manuel Fernandes in Lisbon today.

The Minister emphasized Pakistan's vast investment potential in olive cultivation, processing, packaging, and value-added products, saying over seven million olive trees have been cultivated across over fifty-five thousand acres.

He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to the International Olive Council following its accession as a permanent member. He further expressed Pakistan's resolve to align national standards with international benchmarks to enhance the global competitiveness of Pakistani olive products.

Rana Tanveer Hussain highlighted investor-friendly incentives, including one hundred percent foreign ownership, long-term land leases, duty-free import of agricultural machinery, tax incentives, and one-window facilitation for investors.

The two sides also discussed expanding cooperation in agricultural research, mechanized harvesting, olive oil extraction technology, quality certification, value addition, and capacity building through institutional linkages between research organizations of both countries.

They also exchanged views on promoting climate-smart agriculture, efficient water management, drip irrigation technologies, and sustainable land management practices.

In his remarks, the Portuguese Minister appreciated Pakistan's achievements in developing its olive sector and expressed interest in expanding collaboration for the mutual benefit of both countries.