Ashraf AboArafe
Kazakhstan has advanced one position in the 2025 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, securing the 34th spot out of 69 countries. In doing so, it surpassed major economies such as Japan (35th), Kuwait (36th), and Portugal (37th)—a noteworthy shift that signals the country’s steady progress in the global economic landscape.
The International Institute for Management Development (IMD), based in Switzerland, publishes this annual index assessing national competitiveness through four central pillars:
- Economic performance
- Government efficiency
- Business efficiency
- Infrastructure
Kazakhstan made notable strides in two categories:
- Business efficiency jumped from 28th to 20th place
- Infrastructure improved from 49th to 44th
These advancements reflect a growing resilience and adaptability within Kazakhstan’s business climate and public investment strategy.
Among its strengths, the country maintains leading positions in:
- Youth employment
- Female labor force participation
- GDP growth
- Low industrial electricity prices
Such metrics highlight Kazakhstan’s success in maintaining inclusive labor policies and competitive production costs.
However, IMD identified persistent structural challenges:
- Telecom infrastructure investment
- Inflation control
- Healthcare funding
- Development of high-tech industries
These areas demand long-term, systemic reforms to ensure Kazakhstan’s future trajectory continues upward in an increasingly knowledge-driven global economy.
Adding perspective to its economic landscape, Kazakhstan was also ranked 114th out of 139 countries in the 2025 Global Cost of Living Index. With prices nearly 73.4% lower than in New York City, the country presents a relatively affordable environment for both residents and investors.
