Brussels, 20/04/2007 (Agence Europe) - Speaking from Milan where he was taking part at a seminar on Thursday, Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson promised European producers he would closely monitor Chinese textile exports towards the Community market upon expiry, at the end of this year, of the quota system established by the 12 September 2005 regulation. The regulation implements the EU-China agreement sealed on 5 September 2005 to temporarily restrict Chinese textile exports (EUROPE 9025). Mandelson warned, moreover, that any extension of the agreement would require China's approval. “The market needs to be monitored in the run-up to the quota's expiry and the months following it”, commented Mandelson on the fringe of the seminar, reported by Reuters. “I think it's likely that I will discuss this with the Chinese so that they are aware of the issues and what we will need to do to keep under close surveillance any developments in the market”, he went on to say, adding: “They are not EU quotas. They are a voluntary agreement between the EU and China. So it is in the nature of a voluntary agreement that you can only extend it by mutual agreement”. Asked if he would raise the possibility of extending the quotas with Chinese trade officials, Mandelson said: “I'm sure we will address it in some way”. A spokesman for Mandelson later pointed out to Reuters: “The European Commission does not intend at this time to seek an extension of this agreement”. (eh)