The Office pays attention to support economic measures and incentives aimed at creating an economically strong middle class as a significant factor contributing to internal cohesion and social stability. The Office supports activities to enhance the efficiency and impact of the state support to SMEs, introduction of internationally recognized best practices and supports capacities responsible for improving Armenia's business environment. Second priorities are activities aimed at the creation of a free competition environment, overcoming monopolistic trends and market barriers. The Office further facilitates the establishment and development of SMEs in the regions of Armenia, tackling the issue of uneven GDP distribution between different social groups and regions in Armenia.

Programme Implementation Presence (PIP) in Syunik

The programme implementation presence was opened in 2006 in Kapan, the center of Syunik province with a key objective to contribute to the sustainable development of the region and to reduce poverty by fostering private entrepreneurship in rural areas and protecting the environment. So far the PIP carried out several needs assessments and analysis of the economic development perspectives in the province's rural communities, co-operates with private companies and local authorities to identify viable business ideas and supported entrepreneurs in setting up businesses. 

In 2009, the PIP continues supporting initiatives that promote economic development and environmental security and follow an increasingly cross-dimensional approach, with an emphasis on the gender component of its activities. Since the increase of the level of energy security requires economically acceptable and environmentally friendly energy, the PIP will continue assessing Syunik region's capacity to further develop production of energy from renewable sources and promoting energy efficiency.

Given the fact that the PIP in Syunik has a mandate to contribute to the local socio-economic development of the region, the PIP continues to focus on private sector development to promote local economic development and build local capacities in the region, as a key response towards sharply increased economic and social vulnerability due to the recession in the mining sector.