The Dalian Commodity Exchange is stepping up preparations for the launch of futures in pig livestock which experts say will help to build a more transparent price system and better reflect market movements.

China produced 680 million pigs for slaughter last year, accounting for more than half of the world's total.

Insiders say they think setting up pig futures could help stabilize prices, as well as improve standards of raising and breeding the animals.

(CCTV.com)