Manila, Aug. 11 -- The Philippines has further strengthened its agriculture and fishery partnership with Canada following a high-level meeting between Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath Macdonald in Manila.

"Canada remains a vital partner in supporting our vision for a more globally competitive agriculture sector," Tiu Laurel said in a statement.

The Aug. 3 meeting led to the signing of a joint statement on technical collaboration between the Bureau of Plant Industry and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

The agreement covers cooperation in plant health, capacity building, scientific and regulatory advancement and exchange of innovations.

Other key matters discussed were food ...