Rural communities in Nadroga/Navosa are set to benefit from improved business activity and stronger support for the forestry sector following the handover of a new 12-wheeler truck to local company Noibuli Investment.

The vehicle was funded through the Government’s Integrated Human Resource Development Programme (IHRDP) to help strengthen rural enterprises, improve timber transportation, and create more sustainable income opportunities for families in the province.

Assistant Minister for Commerce and Business Development Sachida Nand said the initiative demonstrates Government’s commitment to supporting small and medium-sized businesses while driving economic growth in rural communities.

The truck, valued at around $195,000, was officially handed over to Mr. Iliavi Haru Naorodei and the Noibuli Investment team.

Government contributed $130,000 through the IHRDP, while the remaining $65,000 was financed through a partnership with Merchant Finance.

Operating from Nawaicoba, Noibuli Investment has worked in the forestry industry for the past 14 years alongside Fiji Pine Limited.

The new truck is expected to improve the company’s operations and modernise its transport fleet.

Government says the project forms part of wider efforts to support rural development, create employment opportunities, and help community-based businesses become commercially sustainable.