Kazakhstan has achieved a major breakthrough in global economic competitiveness, climbing to 55th place among 145 countries in the 2024 Economic Complexity Index (ECI), according to updated results released by Harvard Growth Lab.

With a score of 0.38, the country has reached a strategic national target ahead of schedule-signaling a decisive shift toward a more diversified and sophisticated economy, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Dramatic Turnaround After Data Revision

The revised figures mark a striking reversal in Kazakhstan’s economic profile. In the original 2023 edition, the country ranked 89th with a negative score of -0.44, reflecting a lower level of export complexity. However, updated calculations for the same year repositioned Kazakhstan at 52nd place with a positive score of 0.45-reclassifying it as an economy with significantly stronger structural capabilities.

Although Kazakhstan slipped slightly from 52nd to 55th place in 2024, the broader trajectory points to sustained progress. Between 2020 and 2024, the country surged 32 positions-from 87th to 55th-making it the fastest-improving economy in Central Asia on this key global indicator.

Regional Comparison Highlights Kazakhstan’s Lead

Kazakhstan’s progress stands out even more against regional trends. During the same period, Uzbekistan rose from 86th to 70th place, while Kyrgyzstan moved modestly from 78th to 72nd. Turkmenistan remained largely stagnant, advancing just one position from 127th to 126th. Meanwhile, Russia experienced a sharp decline, falling from 38th to 67th place.

Notably, Kazakhstan’s Strategic Development Plan had set a goal of reaching 55th place by 2025-a benchmark the country has now achieved a full year early.

photo: Kazinform

Policy-Driven Transformation, Not Coincidence

International business strategist and Swedish pracademic Alex Matrsson described Kazakhstan’s rise as the result of deliberate long-term reforms rather than short-term economic fluctuations.

Photo credit: Personal archive of Mr. Alex Matrsson

“As a Swedish Pracademic and International Business Strategist, I view Kazakhstan’s recent rise in the Economic Complexity Index as a reflection of its strategic commitment to long-term economic diversification and institutional development,” Matrsson said. “The move from 89th in 2023 to 55th in 2024 demonstrates a clear shift toward a more competitive and complex economy.”

He emphasized that the progress reflects targeted policies aimed at modernizing industry, expanding export capabilities, strengthening human capital, and increasing technological capacity.

Strategic Location Boosts Investor Confidence

Kazakhstan’s geographic position between Europe and Asia, combined with institutional stability and openness to global partnerships, has further enhanced its appeal to international investors. The country’s improving ECI ranking underscores deeper structural changes, including efforts to reduce dependence on natural resources and build a more diversified economic base.

The momentum is reflected in other global benchmarks as well. Astana recently climbed six positions to rank 46th in the Global Smart Centres Index 2025, highlighting Kazakhstan’s growing role as a regional hub for innovation, technology, and investment.

A Signal of Long-Term Economic Transformation

Kazakhstan’s rapid ascent in the Economic Complexity Index marks more than a statistical adjustment-it reflects a fundamental shift in the country’s economic model. By investing in industrial diversification, technological development, and global integration, Kazakhstan is positioning itself as one of the most dynamic emerging economies in Eurasia.