Hong Kong (CNN Business) Asian markets rose on Friday after China announced plans that could help boost consumer spending.

China said it would step up its efforts to boost disposable income and stabilize employment. The National Development and Reform Commission announced those plans during a press briefing.

Hong Kong has also taken measures to help avert a recession. On Thursday, the city's government unveiled a stimulus package worth about $19 billion Hong Kong dollars ($2.4 billion).

Some companies that trade in Hong Kong and Shanghai also posted strong earnings., China's largest insurer, climbed in Hong Kong after it posted a 68% surge in its first-half net profit . Its Shanghai-traded stock also gained.

Tsingtao Brewery TSGTF China Resources Beer CRHKY best known for Snow beer, surged in Hong Kong after posting a , China's second largest beer maker, soared in Shanghai, after its net profit increased more than 25% for the first half of the year. The Hong Kong-traded shares jumped as well. Its bigger rivalbest known for Snow beer, surged in Hong Kong after posting a 24% increase in net profit for the first half.

Australia's S&P/ASX 200 seesawed between small gains and losses and ended barely lower. On Thursday, the index tumbled 2.9%.

Nikkei N225 Kospi KOSPI Japan'sended 0.6% higher after a lower open. South Korea'sdeclined 0.6% as it reopened Friday, following Thursday's public holiday.