Jan 19, 2006. /Lesprom Network/. South Korea's Serim Paper Mfg. Co. said Thursday it has started test-drilling in an inland oil field in Kazakhstan, a senior company official said Thursday. Serim started operating in two of former Soviet nation's oil fields last year through its oil exploration arm, Acret LLP, senior managing director Kim Hyun-jun said in a meeting with reporters. The company acquired a 50% stake in the Gibraltar-based oil exploration firm in June last year for KRW 14.8 billion ($15 million). Acret has started the test drilling in the oil field located in Kazakhstan's northwestern province of Aktobe. It also has a right to explore in another oil field in the region of Bozona. Kazakhstan is estimated to have reserves of 26 billion barrels of oil and 3 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. The participation in the oil exploration by Serim, which specializes in the production of uncoated woodfree paper, is part of its efforts to diversify its operations. Established in 1984, Serim Paper is a specialized producer that manufactures industrial use carton board for the convenience of its customers and the development of its communities.