India and Mali Launch First Export Promotion Forum to Strengthen Trade and Investment Ties

Current Context: India and Mali launched the first India–Mali Forum for the Promotion of Exports in Bamako, Mali, to strengthen bilateral trade, investment, and long-term economic cooperation.

Key Points

• The inaugural India–Mali Forum for the Promotion of Exports was held in Bamako, Mali, to institutionalise bilateral trade cooperation.
• The forum was jointly organised by Mali's Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Embassy of India in Bamako, and APEX-Mali (Malian Agency for the Promotion of Exports).
• It was conducted under the theme "Reinforcing Trade and Strategic Partnerships."
• India–Mali bilateral trade crossed US$326.61 million in FY 2025–26, recording a 55% growth over the previous financial year.
• The two countries identified key sectors for cooperation, including cotton, mining, energy, pharmaceuticals, and social infrastructure.
• The forum aims to boost exports, attract investment, expand business opportunities, and strengthen economic relations between India and Mali.

Question: 

Q1. The inaugural India–Mali Forum for the Promotion of Exports was held in:
a) New Delhi
b) Bamako
c) Dakar
d) Nairobi

Answer: b) The first India–Mali Export Promotion Forum was held in Bamako, the capital of Mali.