On November 3, 2025 in Zhob District, Balochistan the International Trade Centre (ITC) organized the Agri-Business and Linkage Building Mela 2025 where the Olive Business Development Group, under the OliveCulture ScaleUp Project, showcased locally produced olive-based soap and other value-added items.
The group’s presence at the mela aimed to promote olive-derived value-added products and create market visibility while encouraging entrepreneurship among women and youth. By presenting finished products locally made in olive growing areas, the Olive Business Development Group highlighted practical opportunities within Pakistan’s expanding olive value chain.
Partners including AICS Islamabad, the Embassy of Italy in Islamabad, CIHEAM Bari and the Ministry of National Food Security & Research supported the initiative, helping connect producers with potential buyers, service providers and supply chain actors. The event underlined how small-scale olive product enterprises can contribute to income generation and regional economic activity in Balochistan.
Participation at the mela emphasized the importance of strengthening the olive value chain through product diversification, quality demonstrations and market linkages, offering a platform for women and youth entrepreneurs to grow businesses rooted in local olive production.
