Kazakhstan has secured 38th place in the 2026 World Competitiveness Ranking, entering the top 40 most competitive economies globally. The study was prepared by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), according to Podrobno.uz.

The ranking assesses countries' ability to create conditions for sustainable economic and business development based on indicators of economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure. Kazakhstan entered the top ten for tax policy, taking 9th place, and also ranked 19th in international trade and 20th in labor market, management practices, and business values.

Furthermore, the country placed 26th in employment, 29th in institutional environment, 32nd in productivity and efficiency, and 33rd in domestic economy. Among states with populations exceeding 20 million, Kazakhstan took 15th place, while in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region it ranked 25th.

The study also presents key macroeconomic indicators. In 2025, Kazakhstan's gross domestic product reached $306.2 billion with real GDP growth of 6.5 percent, securing the republic 6th place in economic growth rates. GDP per capita by purchasing power parity was estimated at $45,286, the labor force totaled 9.77 million people, and the unemployment rate stood at 4.6 percent.

Experts identified key tasks for the country: introducing artificial intelligence technologies in public administration and water resource management, attracting investment in high-tech industries, developing transit potential, and reforming vocational education. The IMD ranking has been published for 38 years, and approximately 6,900 top managers participated in the 2026 survey.

Source: podrobno.uz