HONG KONG, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong has once again been ranked as the world's freest economy, according to the Economic Freedom of the World 2025 Annual Report released on Thursday by the Fraser Institute.

Among the five areas of assessment, Hong Kong retains the top position in "freedom to trade internationally," while securing third place in "sound money" and "regulation."

The Fraser Institute's findings once again highlight Hong Kong's advantages in free markets and its open, efficient, and fair business environment, said a spokesperson for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government.

Hong Kong will, as always, continue to steadfastly uphold its status as a free port, maintain free trade policies and a simple, low tax regime, while ensuring the free flow of capital, information, goods and talent, fully leveraging its role as a "super connector" and "super value-adder," the spokesperson said.

Hong Kong warmly welcomes local and overseas enterprises and talent to invest as well as pursue business and career opportunities here, the spokesperson noted.

"Under the 'one country, two systems' framework, Hong Kong retains its unique advantages in connectivity, internationalization, diversity and inclusiveness. These strengths, combined with stable and predictable economic and financial policies, as well as an open, efficient and fair market environment, continue to attract global investors, enterprises and talent," the spokesperson said.

The strong performance of Hong Kong's stock market, sustained growth in bank deposits, and expanding asset and wealth management sectors are clear indicators of international investors' confidence in Hong Kong, the spokesperson said.

"Furthermore, the city continues to achieve outstanding results in various global competitiveness rankings across finance, innovation and technology, education and talent. These all underscore the international recognition of Hong Kong's core strengths and the HKSAR government's efforts to promote economic and social development," the spokesperson added.

Looking ahead, HKSAR will continue to proactively integrate into the overall national development plan and align with national development strategies, and strengthen connectivity with both the mainland and the world, to create greater value and opportunities for global investors, the spokesperson noted.

With the staunch support of the country, and concerted efforts of the HKSAR government and the community at large, Hong Kong's path from stability to prosperity is set to shine even brighter, the spokesperson added.

The HKSAR government protects the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents in strict accordance with the Constitution of the People's Republic of China and the Basic Law of the HKSAR. The interests of enterprises and investors are also fully safeguarded in accordance with the law, the spokesperson reaffirmed.

Under the "one country, two systems" framework, HKSAR continues to practise the common law and uphold the rule of law, and maintain a judiciary that exercises powers independently, the spokesperson said.

"Various surveys indicate that foreign businesses operating in Hong Kong generally express strong confidence in the city's rule of law. Hong Kong's remarkable performance in various international rankings further affirms its globally attractive business environment," the spokesperson said. Enditem