The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), in collaboration with BUITEMS Zhob

BUITEMS Zhob,June, 2025 – Zhob The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), in collaboration with BUITEMS Zhob Campus, Agriculture Department Balochistan, and Taraqee Foundation, organized a seminar titled “Mapping the Olive Value Chain for Export Potential” at BUITEMS Zhob.
Mr. Zain-ul-Abideen, representing the Ministry of Commerce and TDAP, delivered the keynote presentation, where he highlighted major structural gaps in the olive sector. He noted that up to 85% of the olive fruit is wasted after the extraction of extra virgin olive oil due to the absence of facilities for processing other oil variants. He emphasized the need to introduce olive pomace oil production to reduce post-extraction waste. Mr. Zain also walked participants through the entire olive value chain, stressing the importance of formalization, traceability, GI tagging, and export-grade packaging for international competitiveness.
Mr. Abdul Salam Lodhi, Dean BUITEMS Zhob Campus, shared that Pakistan’s edible oil import bill has now exceeded USD 3.5 billion, and olive development can play a critical role in reducing this heavy reliance on imports.
Mr. Dawood Kakar, Manager Taraqee Foundation, gave the concluding remarks. He highlighted that Out of 52 none of the olive-growing firms in the region qualified for recent international grant programs due to lack of business registration, and called for immediate support to integrate them into the formal economy.
The seminar concluded with strategic recommendations for TDAP, including support for mobile oil extraction units, capacity-building of growers, and facilitation for producing multiple olive oil variants to reduce loss and enhance export potential.