Life Sciences companies in Wales which participated in the Welsh Government's trade mission to Medica last year have already won contracts worth more than £1.4m – with more deals in the pipeline.

The news comes as applications open for this year's event in November and interested companies have until July 17 to register, with eligible companies able to benefit from up to 50 per cent support from the Welsh Government.

Medica is the world‘s largest medical marketplace annually organised in November in Düsseldorf. The four-day international trade fair and congress specialises in medical technology, electromedicine, laboratory equipment, diagnostics and drugs.

It is also one of the top global events for companies in Wales and last year 87 delegates participated in the Welsh Government trade mission - the largest contingent to date.

Companies used the forum to launch new products to an international audience, meet existing clients, make new contacts, appoint distributors, win new business and promote their goods and services globally.

Economy Minister Edwina Hart said: "Medica has proved to be a very successful event for Welsh companies and I am delighted that more than £1.4m worth of business has already been secured by Welsh companies from international partners across the globe.

"Many deals very often take a number of years to finalise so these early wins are quite significant and illustrate the opportunities that events like Medica can present to companies to market their goods and services to a global audience.

"The Welsh Government is committed to supporting businesses to trade internationally and I am delighted we are taking another mission to Medica this year. These event forms part of our extensive programme of overseas trade missions and exhibitions which is backed by a comprehensive support package to help business access new export markets and new opportunities."

Applications and further information can be found on the Business Wales www.business.wales.gov.uk