Gov. Tim Pawlenty in Israel leading trade mission

Pawlenty leads a delegation that includes 37 business leaders, Israel is Minnesota's 22nd largest export market in 2007
 
Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Governor of Minnesota, embarked on a trade mission to Israel to promote Minnesota businesses.
 
Pawlenty leads a delegation that includes 37 business leaders who see trade opportunities in Israel. 
 
Israel is Minnesota's 22nd largest export market in 2007. During an airport news conference before his departure, Pawlenty said he hopes to expand exports to the Middle East country. "We want to make sure we open as many doors and as many eyes to future trade and future friendship between Israel and Minnesota, both economically, culturally and otherwise," said Pawlenty. Pawlenty is leading Minnesota's second trade mission to Israel. Gov. Arne Carlson traveled to Israel  in 1993.
 
Pawlenty will participate in "Globes" Israel Business Conference 2008, where he will try to "market" Minnesota. Tim Pawlenty, a Republican, is regarded as one of US's most innovative, energetic, reform-minded and accomplished governors. Now serving his second term as the 39th governor of Minnesota, Governor Pawlenty has brought increased accountability to state government, held the line on taxes, improved K-12 education standards and made Minnesota a leader in energy reform.
 
The business trip includes stops in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv's business center. The Republican governor will also address a large economic conference. Minnesota businesses shipped $121 million worth of manufactured goods including computer products and machinery to Israel last year.
 
Pawlenty has already led trade missions to Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Poland and India.