Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel catalyst combination and a novel ocess for the synthesis of methanol and methyl formate (MF), and more specifically to the production of methanol and MF by contacting syngas under relatively mild conditions in a slurry phase with the novel catalyst combination comprising unreduced copper chromite prepared using specifical method, alkali alcoholates, a nonionics and a non-polar solvent. The nonionics, for example, C.sub.8 H.sub.17 --(C.sub.6 H.sub.4)--O--(C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.n H (where n is between 4 and 60) is used in the amount that is at least 5 vol. % of the slurry (liquid reaction medium). And the non-polar solvent having a dielectricity constant between 2 and 3 at 20.degree. C. is used in the amount that is at least 50 vol. % of the slurry. The present invention allows the synthesis of methanol and MF to occur in the temperature range of approximately 100-150.degree. C., and the pressure range of 3-8 MPa.