Strengthening value chains as an industrial policy instrument. Methodology and experience of ECLAC in Central America

In recent years, ECLAC has received official requests from governments in the region for technical assistance for designing and implementing industrial policies. In response, the Commission has developed and applied a methodology based on value chains, which has enabled it to identify targeted intervention strategies, with clear, coordinated lines of action. Value chains can be strengthened by supporting all their stakeholders, especially small producers, which in turn helps to close structural gaps. In 2013, ECLAC worked jointly with governments and the private sector in Central America to study and design strategies for four value chains: shrimp farming and synthetic fibres sportswear in El Salvador and vegetables and fine woods in Guatemala. Small producers play a central role in these chains, which include cooperatives formed by ex-combatants of civil wars, small farmers’ cooperatives and cooperatives that operate sustainable forest concessions. This book sums up the technical assistance work conducted in these two countries and systematizes the methodology used to disseminate it and facilitate its replication. Within a relatively short space of time (eight months on average), the technical assistance provided by ECLAC led to the launch of specific public initiatives for strengthening value chains, with the support of government officials at the highest level.