The Organization for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC) decided unanimously during its meeting in Warsaw to accept Egypt as a member of the organization. Egypt received membership along with other ten countries in southern Europe and countries neighboring the European continent. The Egyptian Ministry of Industry reported today that OEEC head Graham Talbot signed a partnership agreement as representative of the European Union, and Hassan Shaarawi, executive director of the Egyptian Accreditation Council (EGAC), as representative for the Egyptian side. Shaarawi said the partnership is an important step in developing the quality assessments of accreditation to European and global levels and to becoming a regional pioneer in this vital field. He also said that this partnership will contribute to admitting all Egyptian certifications issued by EGAC. Shaarawi said that the membership also will help to support Egypt's current efforts to achieve a free trade agreement between Egypt and the European Union. This will facilitate exporting Egyptian products to Europe.