The invention relates to an improved process for the production of methyl formate, wherein a current of a gas containing carbon monoxide is reacted at elevated temperature (70.degree.-110.degree. C.) and pressure (20-110 bars) in a reaction zone with a recycled current of liquid reaction mixture containing(a) methanol(b) an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal methoxide as catalyst, and(c) methyl formate produced as reaction product,part of the current of liquid reaction mixture being withdrawn in order to recover methyl formate therefrom.The characteristic feature of the invention consists in that the recycled liquid reaction mixture is used for sucking and dispersing the current of gas in the reaction mixture. Advantages of the process are: excellent heat exchange, high productivity, absence of solid deposits on the internal surfaces of the apparatus, lower operating pressures and temperatures, use of apparatus of smaller dimensions, suppression of recycling of carbon monoxide, etc.