India, Mali hold first trade forum as bilateral commerce surges 55%

India and Mali have launched the inaugural India–Mali Forum for the Promotion of Exports in Bamako, marking a major milestone in strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties as commerce between the two countries rose 55 per cent to $326.61 million in FY2025-26.
According to agency reports, held over two days under the theme "Reinforcing Trade and Strategic Partnerships", the forum was jointly organised by Mali's Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Embassy of India in Bamako, and the Malian Agency for the Promotion of Exports (APEX-Mali). The event brought together senior government officials and around 30 Indian business leaders to explore new avenues for economic cooperation.The forum was inaugurated by Mali's Prime Minister of the Transition Government, Major General Abdoulaye Maïga. The Indian delegation was led by Amit Kumar, Joint Secretary (FT-Africa) in the Department of Commerce, while Indian Ambassador to Mali, Dr N. Nandakumar, also participated in the discussions.
According to the information, India-Mali bilateral trade reached $326.61 million during FY2025-26, registering a sharp 55 per cent increase compared with the previous financial year. Mali's principal exports to India include raw cotton, finished leather, cashew, lead, gum arabic and sesame, while India's exports comprise pharmaceuticals, cotton fabrics, two- and three-wheelers, and bicycles.The government stated India's Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) Scheme has significantly contributed to expanding trade between the two nations. With Mali's global exports estimated at nearly $4 billion, the untapped export potential in the Indian market is valued at approximately $3.96 billion.
Following the inaugural session, delegates visited exhibition stalls featuring Indian agricultural machinery and automobiles, including Sonalika tractors and vehicles manufactured by Mahindra and Tata Motors. The forum also hosted Business-to-Business (B2B), Business-to-Government (B2G), and Government-to-Government (G2G) meetings covering sectors such as renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, textiles, automotive manufacturing and mining, aimed at translating business opportunities into commercial partnerships and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).
On the second day, the Indian delegation met Mali's Minister of Industry and Trade, Moussa Alassane Diallo. During the meeting, APEX-Mali presented a series of "Ready-Made Business Plans" outlining investment-ready projects before the delegation called on the Prime Minister.Both countries identified cotton and textiles, mining and energy, agro-industry and shea processing, pharmaceuticals, and social infrastructure, including healthcare and education, as priority sectors for enhanced cooperation.
Mali also sought India's support in digitising its Certificate of Origin system and expediting the registration of approved Indian pharmaceutical products. India, in turn, requested a review of Mali's shea-nut export ban and reiterated the importance of ensuring the safety and security of Indian nationals and investments operating in the country.The forum concluded with Mali reaffirming its commitment to creating a secure and investor-friendly business environment under its Vision Mali 2063 roadmap. The West African nation also announced that it will host a dedicated investment forum on December 3-4, 2026, to showcase additional bankable projects to global investors.

(Business Correspondent)