Migrations internationales, libre-échange et intégration régionale

The paper proposes an overview of the links between trade openness and international migration. Written in 1997, it is reedited here as a tribute to Geroges Tapinos, died suddendly on 20 November 2000. The paper argues that free trade policies presently proposed by developed countries to developing countries and countries in transition do not give a credible answer to the foreseen raise of international migration flows. The modest impact of trade opening on medium-term growth, as revealed by specialized studies, combined with the uncertain attractiveness of eligible c ountries for private investment or public transfers, call for a change in perspective and suggest considering from now on migration and development as to separate problems. Development is a self-sufficient goal for the whole society while emigration is an individual choice which may reflect a lack of confidence in national development prospects.