A DUSSELDORF medical trade fair proved just the tonic for Torfaen-based medical equipment developer Celtic ElectroMedical.

Based at a amodern factory in Llantarnam Park, Cwmbran, the firm was able to secure a place at the German Medica exhibition with the help of WalesTrade International (WTI).

WTI, the Assembly government's overseas trade arm, helped fund a group of cutting-edge Welsh medical companies attend its pavilion at Medica.

Dr Geoff Matthews, Celtic's managing director, said orders taken, interest raised with potential partners and contacts made with new distributors all exceeded expectations.

"No matter how good individual products and technologies may be, they need the support of clear, professional presentation," he said.

"The WTI pavilion helped us to do this and managed to promote the country without swamping individual exhibitors' corporate identities."

WTI regularly provides backing for Welsh firms and organisations to attend trade fairs, exhibitions and explore potential new markets.

The Medica event attracted more than130,000 trade visitors from all over the world.

Details of its services are available on 029 2080 1406 or at www.walestrade.com