HONG KONG, Oct. 12 (Xinhuanet) -- Visiting French President Jacques Chirac said Tuesday that more and more French companies believe that Hong Kong is the right gateway for enjoying the fast development of the region.

    He said at a press conference that more French companies, especially those medium-sized and small ones have entered into Hong Kong, which is a gateway to the Chinese mainland market. He said so far, about 500 French companies have established business in Hong Kong and a total of 60,000 French people live and work in Hong Kong.

    The French president said he had met with Hong Kong Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa upon his arrival in Hong Kong Tuesday afternoon. He talked with Tung and other Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government officials over the French-HK ties.

    He said Hong Kong is one of France's major economic partners and the two sides have a long established tie. The French president stressed that France has been attaching importance to strengthening cultural links between France and Hong Kong. France's largest contemporary art institution, the Pompidou Center, is interested in building a modern art museum, part of the West Kowloon development project.

    He said Pompidou Center has rich resources, unique art collections and experience in running the art museum, and he wished the launching of the huge cultural project successful. The French President also unveiled the Picasso's stunning "Parade" painted on actual stage curtain, and depicted a theatrical scene as the start of the "Year of France" activities in Hong Kong. The " Parade" has been displayed only 10 times over the past 50 years.

    The French president arrived in Hong Kong Tuesday afternoon fora one-day visit. Hong Kong is Chirac's last leg of his five-day official visit to China.

    Hong Kong Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa gave a banquet in honor of the French president. Enditem