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In a forward contract, the primary role of the seller is to agree to sell a specific quantity of an asset at a predetermined price on a future date. This contractual obligation ensures that the seller will deliver the asset at that agreed-upon price, providing certainty in a fluctuating market. The seller benefits from this arrangement by locking in a price for the asset, which can protect them from potential price declines before the delivery date.

The nature of the contract means that the seller is effectively committing to a future transaction under specified conditions, which is an essential aspect of forward contracts utilized in various financial markets. This role is different from that of the buyer, who is making a commitment to purchase the asset, highlighting the seller's position in facilitating the transaction.

While hedging financial risks is a common motive for both parties in a forward contract, it does not specifically define the role of the seller. Additionally, taking ownership of the asset is more aligned with the buyer's role in the forward contract rather than the seller's, who remains the owner until the contract is executed.