to complete the examination of the evidence adduced the parties may agree to extend that period.Declaration concerning Article 2 (3) of the AgreementThe Community declares that, if any amendment is made to the rules of origin referred to in Article 2 (3) of the Agreement, the Community shall, with the agreement of Hong Kong, take appropriatemeasures to avoid any possible consequent reduction of Hong Kong's ability to use the quantitative limits established in Annex II of the present Agreement.The Community further declares that any amendment made to the abovementioned rules shall continue to be based on criteria not requiring, in order to confer originating status, more extensive operations than those constituting a single complete process.Agreed MinuteWith reference to Article 12 (3) of the Agreement on trade in textiles between the European Economic Community and Hong Kong initialled on 2 October 1986, it is understood that the percentage for the fifth year of the application of the Agreement will be at least equal to the percentage applicable in the fourth year.Head of Delegation of Hong KongHead of Delegation of theEuropean Economic CommunityAgreed MinuteThe Community and Hong Kong agree that:- carryover to the quantitative limits for the year 1987 of quantities not used in 1986 is authorized up to 2 % on the corresponding quantitative limits for 1987 for Group I and up to 3 % for other Groups,- advance use of a portion of quantitative limits for 1987 is authorized for any quantitative limit for the year 1986 up to 2 % for Group I and up to 3 % for other Groups, subject to an agreement of the two Parties establishing the de facto-application of the new bilateral agreement.Head of Delegation of Hong KongHead of Delegation of theEuropean Economic CommunityExchange of notesThe Minister for Hong Kong Commercial Relations with the European Communities and the Member States presents his compliments to the Directorate-General for External Relations of the Commission of the European Communities and has the honour to refer to the Agreement in textile products negotiated between Hong Kong and the Community and initialled on 2 October 1986.The Ministers wishes to inform the Directorate-General that whilst awaiting the completion of the necessary procedures for the conclusion and the coming into force of the Agreement, the Governmentof Hong Kong is prepared to allow the provisions of the Agreement to apply de facto from 1 January 1987 if the Community is disposed to do likewise. This is on the understanding that either party may at any time terminate this de facto application of the Agreement provided that 120 days' notice is given.The Minister would be grateful if the Community would confirm its agreement to the foregoing.The Minister for Hong Kong Commercial Relations with the European Communities and the Member States avails himself of this opportunity to renew to the Directorate-General for External Relations the assurance of his highest consideration.Exchange of notesThe Directorate-General for External Relations of the Commission of the European Communities presents its compliments to the Minister for Hong Kong Commercial Relations with the European Communities and the Member States and has the honour to refer to the Minister's Note of regarding the Agreement in textile products negotiated between Hong Kong and the Community and initialled on 2 October 1986.The Directorate-General wishes to confirm to the Minister that whilst awaiting the completion of the necessary procedures for the conclusion and the coming into force of the Agreement, the Community is prepared to allow the provisions of the agreement to apply de facto from 1 January 1987. This is on the understanding that either party may at any time terminate this de facto application of the Agreement provided that 120 days' notice is given.The Directorate-General for External Relations avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Minister of Hong Kong Commercial Relations with the European Communities and the Member States the assurance of its highest consideration.