I you have a starbase in a trading route equipped with economical modules (trade center, etc) you will receive a contribution even if you have not stablished a trade route, my advise look in the map where the trade routes are and build your starbases there and then create your own trade routes by trading techs for freighters or building them. I always try at the beginning of the game, early, to exchange techs fir freighters so I can concentrate in developing other areas of the game.
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Looking for an empire to join, come and join the might empire of the pirates The GROSS Empire.
Join us here http://www.galciv.com/metaverse/empires.asp?id=272
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Or visit also the Empires thread here http://www.galciv.com/forum.asp?BID=GE
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