Awwal 03, 1432, Feb 06, 2011, SPA -- The Moroccan city of Casablanca will host the 17th International Exhibition and Books Publishing Fair from February 11 to 12 under the auspices of King Mohammed VI of Morocco. As many as 724 exhibitors and publishers from 42 countries will participate in the Expo and Fair. In a press statement issued here today, Moroccan Minister of Culture Bensalem Humaesh said this year's event will be organized on an area of 23,800 square meters. Italy will be the guest of honour for this year's event which will be convened under the slogan of "Reading aims to build a knowledge-based society," he added.