BEIJING – Hong Kong has witnessed remarkable economic growth with the safeguards of "one country, two systems", the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Thursday, noting that its leading position as an international financial, shipping and trade center has been further reaffirmed.

Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for the ministry, made the remarks when asked to comment on the Global Financial Centres Index 40 Report published on Wednesday. According to the report, Hong Kong's overall ranking maintained third place globally and first place in the Asia-Pacific region.

Hong Kong's IPO market in the first half of the year had come in second globally, raising around HK$203.3 billion ($26 billion), Guo added.

He said the report reaffirms Hong Kong's appeal, influence and competitiveness as an international financial hub.

It represents yet another vote of confidence in Hong Kong's unique status and strengths and in the prospects of "one country, two systems", he said.