The successful development of the trading hub TTF (Title Transfer Facility) has made gas trading in the Netherlands more attractive. This is essential if the Netherlands is to realise its ambition of becoming the gas roundabout of North West Europe. For a "typical" Dutch market no longer exists. In a letter to parliament written by the Minister for Economic Affairs (on 23 October 2009), GasTerra was named as the major trading firm for the future, in which, over the long term (after 2030), the Netherlands would go from being a net exporter to a net importer. The combination of a liquid trading hub, a strong Dutch trading firm and attractive transport tariffs is necessary for the successful realisation of the gas roundabout in which the Netherlands' own natural gas will play a large part in the security of supply. It should not be forgotten that the Netherlands is the only EU country with sufficient supplies of its own and, as such, is more independent than other foreign natural gas producers.