Italy Grants Citizenship to Egyptian Businessman, Former Minister Rachid Mohamed Rachid

Italian President Sergio Mattarella issued a decision granting Italian citizenship to the Egyptian businessman, former minister Rachid Mohamed Rachid, as a distinguished entitlement and in honor for his distinguished efforts and achievements in the world of economics and business.

The President issued the decision after the Italian Cabinet approved the report that proposed honoring Rachid by granting him citizenship as a special entitlement due to his achievements and excellence in the fields of economics, business and innovation in Italy and abroad.

Many Italian media outlets referred to the event and the decision to grant citizenship to Rachid’s deep knowledge and sincere closeness to Italian culture, which added luster to Italy’s image in the world.

He had previously received the Order of Merit, which is the highest honor in Italy, from former Italian President Giorgio Napolitano in 2010.

Rachid is the chairman of the international fashion houses of Valentino and Balmain.

His foray into the creative and fashion industries led Business of Fashion magazine to name him as one of the 500 most influential people shaping the global fashion industry.

Rachid is also a member of the Supervisory Board of Lipton Tea and Infusions. Before that, Rachid held a ministerial position in Egypt as Minister of Trade and Industry between 2004 and 2011.

Prior to assuming his ministerial position, Rachid was the founder and head of a joint venture with Unilever in Egypt, and was appointed President of Unilever in the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey.