Carwyn Jones follows his predecessor the Rt Hon Rhodri Morgan AM by making the opening address at the event.

Mr Jones said: ‘The life sciences industry is already an increasingly important part of the Welsh economy with more than 15,000 people employed in the sector. BioWales 2010 will not only highlight the innovative developments already being carried out here, but also help to encourage even more companies to come and set up bases here in Wales.’

BioWales 2010 will feature a conference programme; a BioPartnering event with pre-arranged, one-to-one brokerage meetings to discuss potential collaboration projects and new technologies; and an exhibition and networking opportunity.

Themes featuring at BioWales 2010 are stem cells, translational research, point-of-care diagnostics, cancer genetics and ‘Futurewatch’ – a regular annual feature that highlights the next big thing in life sciences .

Event project manager Dr Sharon Thomas said: ‘We are delighted to welcome the First Minister to open BioWales 2010, showing how important the life sciences industry is to Wales, and how the reputation of this event has developed over eight years to become one of the largest UK bioscience events outside London. Again we have lined up a high quality speaker programme, a vibrant trade fair and purposeful BioPartnering brokerage event which has a proven track record in bringing people together in technical match ups to do business.’