HK shares jump 2.3 pct as 3G hopes propel telcos

* China telcos gain on 3G licence hopes; China Mobile lags

* Telco equipment makers soar on expected 3G spending

* Energy stocks rally on higher oil prices

(Updates to midday)

By Parvathy Ullatil

HONG KONG, Jan 2 (Reuters) - Hong Kong shares rang in 2009 on a strong note, climbing 2.3 percent on Friday, with Chinese telecom companies and equipment makers outperforming on hopes of the imminent issuance of 3G licences and resources stocks gaining on higher oil prices.

Asia's top oil and gas producer PetroChina (0857.HK) jumped 3.8 percent to HK$7.05 while offshore oil producer CNOOC (0883.HK) rose 3.5 percent.

Oil CLc1 pulled back more than 4 percent in Asian trade Friday, but the retreat followed a 14 percent surge in crude prices on Wednesday.

The Hang Seng Index .HSI ended the morning session 325.22 points higher at 14,712.70 after opening up 0.4 percent.