President Óscar Arias Sánchez told church activists that globalization was decreasing the number of poor in the world.

He spoke Friday to the closing ceremony of the second Semana Social organized by the Archdiocesis of San José. Church members with social concerns have been among those opposed to the proposed free trade treaty with the United States.

Arias reminded his audience that Vietnam, which was engaged in a prolonged war with the United States, has signed a trade agreement and that Chile approved such an agreement without a negative vote in its congress.

“Today our country has an extraordinary opportunity to deepen its integration with the world,” Arias told the audience, which included ranking churchmen.

Some social activists believe that a free trade treaty will endanger the social welfare state. But Arias said that without job creating, there cannot be a reduction in poverty.

Arias made many references to Jesus Christ in his talk. He also stressed ethics. Arias pointed out that his administration has created temporary jobs, doubled pensions and is seeking a new tax to eliminate slums.