PURPOSE: The reaction of a halogenated aromatic hydroxy compound with carbon monoxide is carried out in an alcohol solvent in the presence of a specific catalyst to produce the titled compound which is used as a starting material of fibers and resins of high heat resistance and chemical resistance.

CONSTITUTION: A halogenated aromatic hydroxy compound where the compounds bearing the halogen group and the hydroxy group in the adjacent position to each other is excluded, is allowed to react with carbon monoxide in an alcohol solvent, in the presence of a base and a transition metal compound such as Pd, Ni, Co, Fe compound) at 1W200, preferably 2W200kg/cm2 at 50W300, preferably 100W250°C to give the objective hydroxy aromatic carboxylic acid ester. The low temperature retards the reaction rate, while the high temperature increases side reactions.