The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has said it will continue to seek an agreement in the Doha round of trade talks next year, but will also attempt to broaden the remit from the present focus on agriculture and industrial goods.

The comment comes after Pascal Lamy, WTO Director-General, met a number of key ambassadors to discuss a plan of action for 2009 after the decision last week not to reconvene a meeting with ministers for the Doha round.

"Basically it's setting the stage for coming back in January and getting down to work," reported Reuters, following an interview with an ambassador after the meeting.

In recent months much effort has been concentrated on closing a deal in the agriculture and industrial sectors, however it is believed that mediators are now turning their attention to new areas such as trade and environment.