People and Investments on the Move: Diaspora Direct Investments, A Powerful Development Driver

Abstract

 This article aims to describe the positive potential of migration and diasporas on foreign direct investments and trade.  Migrants as individuals, as group and as entrepreneurs are promoters of trade and investment impacting the territorial development of both the countries of origin and destination (Bratti, De Benedictis and Santoni 20141).  The value of these roles are directly proportional to their capacity to enhance their cultural identities and to mobilise competences and know-how resources.  The literature analyzing the determinants and effects of the participation of migrants in international trade still heavily rely on case studies, focusing on the analysis of two countries model exercises (country of origin and destination of people and goods).  The quantity of evidence reported in the literature is now sufficient to go further and look at this phenomenon in search of new reading keys and some policy advice.