PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Gov. Lincoln Chafee (CHAY'-fee) says his recent trip to France helped relations with a software company that employs about 350 workers in Rhode Island.

Chafee returned to the Statehouse on Tuesday following his visit to Dassault Systemes (DASS'-oh sis-TEM'), which maintains corporate headquarters in a Paris suburb. Chafee says he wanted to meet personally with executives at the company to "advocate" for Rhode Island.

Chafee says Dassault is a "great, fast-growing company" that offers the kinds of jobs Rhode Island needs.

No state money was used on the two-day trip. Chafee's expenses will be covered by the Rhode Island Commodores, a nonprofit organization that seeks to help stimulate economic enterprise.

James S. Bennett, chairman of the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority's board of directors, traveled with the governor.