This publication presents the recent experience of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) in respect of industrial policy design and technical assistance for the Governments of two Central American countries: El Salvador and Guatemala. It adopts a value chain approach to identify in detail the restrictions facing these chains, both as a whole and at each of their links. Strategies aimed at strengthening value chains are participatory (public-private) and act as a driver of structural change by boosting productivity and value added, especially among small producers.