March 29, 2003	Saturday	Muharram 25, 1424

SHANGHAI, March 28: China rolled out its first futures contract in at least five years on Friday, paving the way for the launch of other derivatives later this year that might help revive a once-vibrant sector.

Wang Xianli, general manager of the Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange said the launch of high-quality wheat futures was part of government efforts to reform the markets as China opens up its farm and financial sectors after joining the World Trade Organization.—Reuters