BAKU, Aug. 27 -- The ongoing violence in Hong Kong could deal an irreparable blow to the city's economic performance, an Azerbaijani expert warned on Tuesday.

Political analyst Ilgar Velizade told Xinhua the Chinese port city has long benefited from the "one country, two systems" principle, and continuously functions as a gateway for overseas investors and exporters to China.

This role has put Hong Kong at the top of economy and finance ratings for years, Velizade said, warning that this achievement could be ruined by the ongoing turmoil.

Destructive acts by rioters, the ongoing protests, and the threat of chaos, unrest and illegal activities that have almost paralyzed the city could trigger an outflow of investment, even an economic recession, which will profoundly impact the lives of ordinary people, the expert said.

He said that China's numerous friends around the world, including those in Azerbaijan, hope for the restoration of peace and stability as soon as possible in Hong Kong.