India's textile industry holds immense potential, but needs to accelerate its development to compete with the likes of China, according to Eric Dorchies, CEO of Ciel Textile. In an exclusive interview with FashionatingWorld I DFU on the sidelines of Bharat Tex 2025, Dorchies emphasized the need for quicker execution and a focus on man-made fibers to capitalize on emerging market trends.
Dorchies acknowledged the significant opportunities present in the Indian market, but cautioned that the current pace of growth is too slow. "We see a lot of potential," he stated, "but…we need to move fast." He pointed to the rapid advancements in neighboring countries, fueled by substantial investments, as a key challenge to India's competitive edge.
A major concern highlighted by Dorchies is the time-consuming process of establishing operations in India. He cited challenges ranging from acquiring land and constructing factories to managing absenteeism and attrition, which can impact both quality and timely delivery. "We have a lot of work to do in terms of educating our people, in all respects," Dorchies asserted, emphasizing the need to achieve the same level of operational efficiency seen in regions like China.
Furthermore, Dorchies addressed the shifting market dynamics, particularly the increasing demand for man-made fibers like polyester. He noted that while India is currently not a major player in this segment, government initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme offer crucial support and promise to unlock significant opportunities. "As and when it will materialize, just like it has happened in the woven cotton space, there will be a lot more opportunities for India to become a much bigger player," he explained.
Despite these challenges, Dorchies remains optimistic about the future of the Indian textile industry. He reiterated his belief in the country's long-term potential, but stressed the urgency for faster action. "I have felt very strongly about India for many years," he concluded, "There's great opportunities, but we need to run faster. And so, that's the competition." His remarks serve as a call to action for the Indian textile sector to streamline its processes, invest in workforce development, and adapt to evolving market demands to secure its position in the global textile landscape.
