Canada and the European Union have struck a free trade agreement aimed at boosting growth and employment.

CEOAFRICA news desk gathered that Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso agreed the deal at a meeting in Brussels on Friday.

According to Mr. Barroso they had reached a "breakthrough in negotiations" to achieve "a great agreement for both the European Union and Canada".

However, the agreement aims to make it easier for companies in Canada and the 28-member EU bloc to invest in and sell to each other, as well as lower tariffs, streamline regulation, and cut red tape.