French business and political leaders have been told by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, that Hong Kong is still the best place in Asia for business.

In a full day of meetings, which included talks with French Prime Minister, Mr Lionel Jospin, and Senate President, Mr Rene Monory, the Chief Executive said there were still tremendous opportunities in Asia, despite the current financial turmoil in the region.

And in a keynote address to more than 400 business and finance market leaders, Mr Tung called for more French investment in Hong Kong and China.

"The depth of economic opportunities for France and indeed the rest of the world in the coming decades in Asia in general, and China in particular, is staggering," he told guests at the lunch organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the French Employers' Association.

"And where can French business capitalise on such opportunities? What do you expect me to say but where else but Hong Kong, the natural gateway to China and the Asia Pacific Region."

Early today (HK time), Mr Tung was guest of honour at a dinner hosted by French Secretary of State for Foreign Trade Mr Jacques Dondoux.

During the dinner, Mr Dondoux praised Hong Kong authorities for maintaining the Hong Kong's currency link to the US Dollar.

Mr Dondoux said the link had allowed Hong Kong to 'resist the jolts provoked by a difficult regional context'.

Mr Tung said the key focus of his visit to France - and Germany earlier this week - was to convince European business and political leaders that Hong Kong was alive and kicking and forging ahead with impressive investments in infrastructure, housing and education.

Another important issue was to convince the two countries to grant visa-free access to HKSAR Passport holders.

After his meeting with Mr Jospin, the Chief Executive said it was agreed that officials from France and Hong Kong 'should sit down together, and seriously look into the technical aspects as to how to take this forward'.

"The Prime Minister suggested it would be useful to organise a technical team from France to visit Hong Kong to assess the situation in close co-operation with the Hong Kong Government and we welcome this suggestion," said Mr Tung.

Major topics discussed with Mr Jospin, Mr Monory and Mr Dondoux were the latest economic developments in Hong Kong and the region, Hong Kong's currency board system and linked exchange rate, the introduction of the single European currency the Euro and the successful implementation of the 'one country, two systems' concept.

Mr Tung said he appreciated the warm and hospitable welcome he had received in Paris and was impressed by the tremendous interest French friends had in Hong Kong and China.

Mr Tung later today meets with the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry before boarding a high-speed train for Lyon, where he is guest of honour of the Mayor of Lyon, Mr Raymond Barre.

Early tomorrow (HK time) he will attend a dinner hosted by the French Banks' Association, where he will meet the country's leading bankers.

Photo: The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, meets with the French Prime Minister, Mr Lionel Jospin, in Paris yesterday (Wednesday, Paris time).