Migrant networks as substitute for institutions: Evidence from Swiss trade

Arbeitspapier

This paper uses an untapped dataset on Swiss immigration and a novel instrumental variable to test three channels through which migrants promote trade. The main finding is that migrant networks are an effective substitute for formal institutions in facilitating trade. The effect takes place entirely on the extensive margin, suggesting migrant networks may be reducing fixed entry costs characterized by corruption.

Object Details

• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Series: HEID Working Paper ; No. 03/2010

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Wirtschaft ; International Migration ; Empirical Studies of Trade ; Bureaucracy; Administrative Processes in Public Organizations; Corruption
• Subject: trade ; migration ; corruption ; Migranten ; Soziales Netzwerk ; Handelseffekt ; Einwanderung ; Schweiz

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Vézina, Pierre-Louis
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (who): Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies
• (where): Geneva
• (when): 2010

Further information

• Handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/77457
• Last update: 10.03.2025, 11:43 AM CET