ROME, May 27 – A new Protocol of Understanding has been signed between the Rome Chamber of Commerce and Roma Capitale Metropolitan City, outlining a strategic framework for economic growth and competitiveness in Rome and its surrounding territory for the triennium 2026-2028. This agreement, a continuation of a pact initially signed in February 2023, focuses on seven crucial points designed to support the region’s more than 430,000 businesses.
Seven Pillars for Rome’s Economic Future
The protocol’s seven key areas include:
- Infrastructure development: Enhancing the city’s foundational systems to support growth.
- Investment attraction and territorial marketing: Drawing in new capital and promoting Rome as a global destination.
- Administrative simplification: Streamlining bureaucratic processes to facilitate business operations.
- National and international events: Hosting major events to boost the city’s profile and economy.
- Culture and tourism: Promoting Rome’s rich cultural heritage and expanding its tourism offerings.
- Sports events: Utilizing sports as a catalyst for economic activity.
- Training, employment, and social inclusion: Fostering a skilled workforce and ensuring equitable job opportunities.
Mayor Roberto Gualtieri emphasized the significance of this renewed collaboration. “We are renewing a collaboration with and for the territory that has already yielded significant results. Today, Rome and its metropolitan area have once again attracted billions in investments, hosted world-class events, and demonstrated competitiveness like never before,” Gualtieri stated.
Supporting Businesses Amid Global Tensions
Lorenzo Tagliavanti, President of the Rome Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the protocol’s primary objective: to support businesses. “Creating optimal conditions for business activity is one of our institution’s priorities, and to achieve this, we must act in a logic of loyal institutional collaboration. The renewal of this protocol is a testament to this,” Tagliavanti explained.
He added, “Our goal is to actively support businesses so that they can best navigate this complex phase, especially due to numerous geopolitical tensions. Rome boasts the largest number of businesses in Italy, and a growth rate that is better than the national average.”
Rome’s Economic Landscape: Record Numbers and Future Prospects
Recent economic data underscores Rome’s robust performance. The first quarter of 2026 saw record numbers for businesses in Rome and Lazio. Furthermore, export figures for Lazio in 2025 reached a record 36 billion euros, marking a 9.6% increase, with strong performance in medicines, though computers saw a decline.
The city’s tourism sector is also booming, with projections indicating a 15-billion-euro market by 2026, though concerns about overtourism have been raised. To support local businesses and the community, the Chamber of Commerce recently opened its library to the public, providing a space for study and research.
The renewed protocol aims to build on this positive momentum, ensuring that Rome continues its trajectory of economic development while addressing challenges such as geopolitical uncertainty and ensuring sustainable growth.
The agreement reflects a concerted effort by local authorities to create a stable and prosperous environment for businesses and residents alike, solidifying Rome’s position as a dynamic economic hub in Italy and Europe.
