The World Trade Organization (WTO) director-general Pascal Lamy, who met with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Trade Minister Simon Crean on Tuesday, said he is optimistic about concluding the Doha trade talks this year.

"It certainly is doable," Lamy told reporters.

The WTO's long-running Doha round aims to free up global trade but talks have stalled due to disagreements over agricultural policy and differences between rich and poor nations.

The financial crisis sparked fears of increasing trade protectionism, casting more doubt on Doha's future.

World leaders last year agreed to seal the Doha deal in 2010.

Lamy said about 20 percent of the task still remained to be done and that would require political energy and a strategic approach.

Tariff reductions on industrial goods and on some agricultural goods, especially from developing countries, were still outstanding issues, he added.