Greek expertise for olive cultivation, oil processing likely

Pakistan with a population of over 160 million is deficient in edible oils, which are imported in large quantities. Olive oil is one of the major and well-known products of Greece and is stated to be the finest in the world.
The olive oil currently being sold in the Pakistani supermarkets is imported mainly from Spain and Italy, which is mixed (up to 30 percent) with Greek olive oil with their own product to improve its quality and then re-exported under their own brands.
This was stated by Pakistan Commercial Counsellor in Athens, Awais Manzur Sumra, after meeting with Greek entrepreneurs earlier, who approached the Commercial Wing, Embassy of Pakistan, Athens, seeking information on the olive oil market in Pakistan.
He said that this might form the base for further future collaboration between Pakistan and Greece through which Pakistan may benefit from Greek expertise and experience to plant olive trees on a large scale and then eventually set up olive oil processing units.
The weather conditions in the northern parts on Punjab and the Hazara in North West Frontier Province (NWFP) are quite similar to those of Greece. It may also be stated that a Memorandum of Understanding for Co-operation in the Field of Agriculture, Olive Cultivation and Olive Oil Production between the Government of Pakistan and Government of the Hellenic Republic--Greece--is likely to be signed in the coming months, he added.
Minfal has already accepted the draft of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which has now been forwarded to the Greek authorities for finalising arrangements for signature. When signed, the MoU would also provide for necessary framework for collaboration in the field.
Greek olive oil is likely to be considered by the exporters of Pakistan to re-export it into the various regions where quality olive oil is needed to be consumed.-PR