VILLAGERS of Navakasiga District in Bua have started preparation for a gravel quarry business after a foreign company expressed interest.
The villagers met this week to discuss the investment opportunity.
Navakasiga District rep Salacieli Tuala said they received an expression of interest from a company in New Zealand.
He said the villagers had discussed details of the proposal since receiving a letter from the foreign company.
"This is a good chance for us to get into business with other interested partners and start planning for the welfare of our future generations," Mr Tuala said.
"A piece of land has also been identified in the district for us to give as part of this joint venture."
He said a letter of acceptance and a consent letter from landowners had been prepared for the Bua Provincial Council office.
"We need to go through the provincial office as part of procedure to inform them about the business plans but we have agreed to work with the company from New Zealand and that matters," Mr Tuala said.
Plans to set up the quarry in identified areas of Bua were discussed at the chiefs meeting in Nabouwalu last month. The chiefs' plan was published in this newspaper and picked up by the New Zealand company from The Fiji Times news website.
Bose vanua secretary and Tui Wainunu Ratu Orisi Baleitavea confirmed receiving a letter from the company.
"This is the opening of business opportunities for the people of Bua and the chiefs will support them throughout. It's time we rise and develop our own province and we will work with this company to make sure all goes well."