Asia-Pacific markets rose after China said that it was evaluating possible trade talks with the U.S.
Markets in the region also trailed gains on Wall Street after all three key benchmarks advanced overnight on optimism that a slowdown in the global economy will not impede the progress of developments in artificial intelligence.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 turned higher 378.39 points, or 1%, to close the week at 36,830.69
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng galloped 385.26, or 1,7%, to 22,504.68
Australian indices hit their highest level since February 27. The strong moves come just before the country heads to the polls on Saturday.
In other markets
Markets in mainland China were closed for the May Day holiday.
In Singapore, the Straits Times Index captured 12.63 points, or 0.7%, to 3.845.14.
In Korea, the Kospi index eked ahead 3.18 points, or 0.1%, to 2,559.79.
In Taiwan, the Taiex Index popped 552.61 points, or 2.7%, to 20,787.89.
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 jumped 179.29 points, or 1.5%, to 12,327.89
In Australia, the ASX 200 picked up 92.45 points, or 1.1%, to 8,238.05