Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has announced that Astana ranked 36th in Asia and 276th globally in the Oxford Economics Global Cities Index 2025. For a relatively young capital, this position reflects not only the scale of its economic growth, but also the qualitative changes taking place in how the city is developing and governed, DKNews.kz reports.
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“When it comes to gross regional product per capita, the figures are quite representative and impressive,” the President said.
What the Oxford Economics index measures
The Oxford Economics 2025 index is one of the most comprehensive global studies of urban competitiveness. It covers 1,000 of the world’s largest cities, assessing them across five key dimensions: economy, human capital, quality of life, environment, and governance.
According to the President, Astana’s result is notable not simply because it appears in the ranking, but because it confidently outperforms a number of well-known cities in the region.
“Astana ranked 36th in Asia and 276th in the world, confidently overtaking well-known cities located in our region,” Tokayev noted.
Strong results are no reason for complacency
Despite these achievements, the President stressed that rankings should be seen as a benchmark rather than an endpoint.
“There is no room for complacency, because our potential is significant. We must continue moving forward,” he said.
In his view, Astana already has a real opportunity next year to significantly improve its position in the Oxford Economics index, which would also strengthen its standing within Asia.
“I believe that next year Astana has the opportunity to substantially improve its ranking under this index. As a result, our position in Asia will also rise. This is a very achievable task,” the President added.
Economic activity as the main driver
High positions in international rankings are closely linked to what is happening on the ground. As the head of state emphasized, economic activity in Astana continues to grow steadily, and this growth is structural rather than temporary.
Rising gross regional product, increased investment, strong construction activity, the expansion of small and medium-sized businesses, and solid tax revenues together form the economic foundation that global analytical centers take into account when assessing cities.
The capital as a model for the country
The President also highlighted Astana’s broader strategic role within Kazakhstan.
“The capital must serve as an example for other regions,” he said.
This means that the objectives facing the city go beyond local governance. Astana is expected to develop a model of economic and administrative growth that can be replicated across the country.
“In this regard, new tasks are being set for the city administration and state bodies,” Tokayev noted.
What this means in a broader context
Ranking 36th in Asia and 276th worldwide is more than just a line in a global index. It sends a clear signal to international investors, businesses, and talent that Astana is steadily establishing itself as a competitive global city.
Today, economic growth, demographic momentum, governance decisions, and long-term ambition converge in the capital. Judging by the President’s remarks, the next phase for Astana is not simply about incremental improvements, but about a qualitative leap that will push the city higher in both global and Asian rankings.
