The present invention provides a method for producing an optically active .beta.-hydroxy ester compound represented by the general formula: ##STR00001## wherein R.sup.1 represents an optionally substituted hydrocarbon group and the like, R.sup.2 represents a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group different from R.sup.1, which is represented by the general formula: ##STR00002## wherein the ring may be substituted and the like, R.sup.3 represents an optionally substituted hydrocarbon group and the like, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 represent, the same or different, a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom and the like, the symbol "*" represents an optically active center, which comprises reacting in the presence of a cinchona alkaloid and the like a compound represented by the general formula: ##STR00003## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are as defined above with a compound represented by the general formula: ##STR00004## wherein R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 are as defined above, and X is a halogen atom.