Rome has received the backing of the city's Chamber of Commerce ©Getty Images

Rome has claimed that 474,000 companies will support the Italian capital's bid for the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics after organisers received the backing of the city's Chamber of Commerce.

Luca di Montezemolo, the Rome 2024 President, met with Chamber of Commerce President Lorenzo Tagliavanti to discuss working together in the battle for the Games.

If successful, a host of companies which are members of the Rome Chamber will play key roles in delivering the Olympics and Paralympics in eight years' time.

"We need everyone’s support, starting from the companies of the capital, to share initiatives that can improve the city starting from now," said Di Montezemolo.

"It's a wonderful idea, because it expresses the strong unity behind our bid.

"There is a great cooperation around Rome's Olympic project."

Rome is hoping to stage the Olympics for the first time since 1960, with organisers claiming that infrastructure built for that event still plays an important role in the capital today.

In that regard, companies assisting with an Olympics in 2024 could be contributing to an impact which is felt for generations to come.

"This event is a challenge that can help Rome," Di Montezemolo said. 

"The 1960 Games are an example of how many infrastructural works built for that event are important elements for the city today."

Rome is hoping to stage the Games for the first time since 1960
Rome is hoping to stage the Games for the first time since 1960 ©Getty Images

Tagliavanti added that Rome 2024 can "count on" the Chamber of Commerce's support.

"We'll be part of the team," he said.

"The Olympic and Paralympic Games are the greatest sport event internationally but also a strong emotional event that receives attention from the entire world.

"The Roma 2024 bid is looking beyond, to sport but also to the territory.

"Our first objective is to bring the community to support the initiative.

"We represent the business community of the city with the largest number of companies in Europe and the Games can be a great opportunity for us.

"We must try to make our contribution so that Rome will become a city where sport is a daily asset."

Rome is competing with Budapest, Los Angeles and Paris for the right to host in 2024.

The International Olympic Committee  is due elect a host at its Session in Peru's capital Lima next year.

Despite claiming the backing of so many companies, there have been calls for a referendum on Rome's bid.