I'm pretty new, so take it with a grain of salt. But I would recommend starting over.

If your a communist (which I personally wouldn't play if going techer)build mostly construction sites with a few industrial, sell spies on your private market to stock up some cash for a large explore/build around turn 100, then build up that land with research bases.

But I'm pretty sure a lot of other options would be better for a new player than commy/techer.

How do you use a trade pact? I have a pact but dont see how to send or request aid.

cool