World Trade Organization and Small-Scale Entrepreneurs In Karnataka: An Explorative Study

World Trade Organization regulates the multilateral trade agreements of its member countries, disciplines import quotas and other import restrictions. reduces import tariffs, and insists on removal of subsidies and concessions for the export of domestic goods by 2003, In this content main focus of this paper is to assess the level of awareness about WTO and its agreements by small-scale entrepreneurs. The study has used both qualitative and quantitative data as well as descriptive statistics for analysis, The study has found that entrepreneurs are experiencing certain consequences of WTO and its agreements and that this reflects on the nature of units; however, awareness about WTO agreements and its implications is poor. The study found that the (i) majority of units are not directly involved in exports and (ii) most of the units are manufacturing and supplying for medium and large scale industries. The major policy implications of this paper are that the government (a) should review its policies related to SSls and make small- scale industrialists aware of the WTO and its agreements and also motivate them to face new challenges; (b) take necessary action for prompt repayment from medium and large scale industries and give timely adequate credit; (c) invite foreign investment for better technological transfer and improve skill of the laborers; and (d) arrange marketing support for the potential exporters, encourage a diversified export base, and promote role of industrial associations and nongovernment organizations to set up common facilities in technology, marketing, infrastructure and other support services through private-public partnership.