Asia-bound Pawlenty fills out his travel team

Possible traveling companions of Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty have arrived at a deadline for saying whether they'll head to Asia with him.

The Department of Employment and Economic Development set a Friday deadline for representatives from business, education and cultural institutions to apply to go on the September trip to China and Japan.

It's likely the last overseas trade mission by Pawlenty as governor. He leaves office in January.

The trips are meant to open doors to possible business relationships or feed existing ties. Those who go with must pay their own way.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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