New Delhi, In a significant step towards strengthening bilateral economic ties, India and Mali institutionalised their growing commercial partnership through the inaugural India-Mali Forum for the Promotion of Exports, setting the stage for deeper trade and investment cooperation between the two countries, according to a statement issued by the Commerce and Industry Ministry on Friday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The two-day forum, held in Bamako under the theme “Reinforcing Trade and Strategic Partnerships”, was presided over by the Prime Minister of the Transition Government of Mali, Major General Abdoulaye Maiga.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a concrete next step, Mali announced a dedicated investment forum to be held on 3\u20134 December 2026, at which additional bankable projects will be made available to international investors. Mali reaffirmed its commitment to positioning itself as a strategic investment hub for West Africa under its Vision Mali 2063 roadmap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Forum brought together senior officials from both governments and around 30 Indian business leaders. The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary (FT-Africa), Department of Commerce, Amit Kumar. The mission was represented by N. Nandakumar, Ambassador of India to Mali.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
India and Mali have witnessed robust growth in bilateral trade, which surpassed US$326.61 million in FY 2025\u201326, registering a 55 per cent increase over the previous financial year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mali’s principal exports to India include raw cotton, finished leather, cashew, lead, gum arabic and sesame, while India’s major exports comprise pharmaceuticals, cotton fabrics, two- and three-wheelers, and bicycles. India’s Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) Scheme has been the primary catalyst in strengthening bilateral trade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Against Mali’s global exports of approximately $4 billion, untapped export potential in the Indian market is estimated at nearly $3.96 billion, signalling substantial room for growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following the inaugural session and a visit to the Indian and Malian exhibition stands, featuring Sonalika tractors and vehicles manufactured by Mahindra and Tata Motors, the delegations participated in an intensive series of Business-to-Business (B2B), Business-to-Government (B2G) and Government-to-Government (G2G) matchmaking meetings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The discussions covered renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, textiles, automotive manufacturing and mining, to convert business opportunities into commercial partnerships and Memorandums of Understanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the second day, the Indian delegation met the Minister of Industry and Trade of Mali, Moussa Alassane Diallo. APEX-Mali also presented “Ready-Made Business Plans” for immediate investment opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The delegation later called on the Prime Minister of the Transition Government of Mali.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both sides identified cotton and textiles, mining and energy, agro-industry and shea processing, pharmaceuticals, and social infrastructure, including health and education, as priority sectors for expanding bilateral cooperation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mali expressed strong interest in India’s support for digitising its Certificate of Origin system and in the prompt registration of approved Indian pharmaceutical products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Indian side sought reconsideration of the shea nut export ban and reaffirmed the importance of protecting Indian nationals and investments.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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