President Zillur Rahman yesterday laid emphasis on taking more initiatives for further increasing trade relations between Bangladesh and India to lessen the existing huge trade gap between the two neighbouring countries.

"Both the countries could be benefited in trade and commerce through effective implementation of South Asian Free Hade Area (Safta) agreement," he said while the new Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Rajeet Mitter presented his credentials to him at Bangabhaban.

During the meeting, Zillur Rahman said Bangladesh always attaches high importance to its relations with India as a closest neighbour in South Asia.

Referring to Bangladesh's commitment to have good relations with all neighbouring countries, the President said collective strength of the South Asian countries should be put in place to bring socioeconomic emancipation for the people of this region.

Zillur Rahman urged Indians to import more world class Bangladeshi readymade garment, jute and jute goods, leather and ceramic products considering their competitive prices.

The new Indian high commissioner said he would work to pave the way for making Indo-Bangladesh joint investment here.

Rajeet Mitter was accompanied by Deputy High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Mukta Dutta Tomar.